Knowing the author was expanding on Carol Dweck mindset work meant this was an absolute must read. And it did not disappoint, it was incredibly helpful to read about how much our mindset can be influenced by the world around us. The book really breaks it down and makes it easy to understand. I felt vindicated by seeing situations that I recognized from past work and school cultures but never really understood what was really at play. Now I know the signs of the cultural aspects at play, I know how to deal with them in a better way. I appreciated the reflective exercises and will definitely go back and work with them.

Cultures of Growth: How the New Science of Mindset Can Transform Individuals, Teams, and Organizations, by Mary C. Murphy, Carol Dweck (Foreword): I love Carol Dweck’s research on Mindset, and so was thrilled when I learned her protege was extending that research to look into how mindsets shift within organizations. While the original research implies that a growth or fixed mindset is a personal trait and somewhat fixed to the individual, Mary Murphy’s research proves that mindset is actually fluid based on the circumstance- so we need to learn how to adapt ourselves and our environment to get the best results. Murphy gives the why and how of creating a “Culture of Growth” rather than the “Culture of Genius”, and the book is filled with inspiring examples from businesses, schools, and other organizations. If you liked Mindset, you will LOVE this book, and I consider it a must-read for any team leader.

“Growth mindset” is a popular term right now in leadership, and a very important one. This is a fresh take on growth mindset, focusing on how to foster this in a group rather than just individually. This book has relevant examples and practical tips to transform your organization from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.