Are you looking to build a team of individuals who are open and willing to learn and grow?
Understanding the art of praise can be a powerful tool in achieving that goal.
Carol Dweck, a pioneer in positive psychology, conducted extensive research on the impact of praise. Her findings reveal that there is a right and wrong way to praise, and it can significantly influence an individual’s mindset and future success.
Instead of focusing solely on the end result or the person, the most effective way to praise someone is to acknowledge and appreciate the PROCESS and effort they put into achieving their goals. By doing so, you nurture a GROWTH mindset within them.
When you praise the PROCESS and effort, you encourage individuals to embrace challenges and stretch their abilities. They become more resilient and willing to take on harder tasks, motivated by the satisfaction of learning and improving.
Conversely, praising the PERSON or OUTCOME can have detrimental effects. It may discourage individuals from taking on new challenges for fear of tarnishing their reputation if they don’t meet expectations.
In a study involving children, those praised for their effort were 92% more likely to willingly tackle tougher challenges. Meanwhile, children praised solely for their intelligence were only 33% more likely to do the same.
So, how can you apply this valuable knowledge to your workplace or recruitment strategy? Start by acknowledging and celebrating the hard work and dedication of your team members. Foster an environment where effort and continuous improvement are cherished.
If you’re intrigued by Carol Dweck’s theory and want to explore it further, we invite you to watch this informative video on YouTube that explains her concepts in-depth “Carol Dweck – A Study on Praise and Mindsets”
Ready to build a team of high achievers who are open to growth? Contact us today to learn how we can help you find the best talent for your organization.
Author: Gillian Scerri





