Grow and help others grow — consciously

Mind is both a monkey and its own master.

Mindset is a set of assumptions, methods, or notions held by one or more people or groups of people.[1]

In the personal development space, a lot has been said about Growth Mindset Vs. Fixed Mindset.

But then, all these mindsets have been viewed as being for self-development concerning personal and professional growth.

But, how can you have a growth mindset that includes not only your growth but also the people around you?

Generally, when you have to grow, people working with you also have to join the course in some sense. However, we don’t usually make others grow as part of our growth mindset or action plan.

One of the things that I have been experimenting with for some time now is — focus on others’ growth.

For example, can you have a focus to help a junior-most guy in your team to grow? Encourage, explain and enable that person to learn more.

I have been doing this with at least 3–4 people currently in my organization. Not All of them are reporting to me but, in some shape, work with me. This way, if they learn and grow, it is a success for the organization and me. I say, “ Your growth is my success” whenever they thank me for it.

Helping them grow is as focused as coaching or mentoring(depending on their needs). It is coupled with encouragement to take online courses, build their brand or identity, etc. This way, even if the person is not with your company for eternity, you would have helped create a better version of that person.

This approach of helping them grow is my most satisfying experiment since the start of the year. There are different approaches I am adopting for these people based on the need and receptivity.

Of course, you cannot help if the person doesn’t put in equal effort. But you can do what is within your control — invest time and energy. I find this parallel track very satisfying and energizing.

Please pay it forward; it might not have financial rewards but is humanly satisfying.