The Importance of Growth Mindset in Indirect Leadership

Indirect Leadership: The Power of Influence without Authority

Many people still believe that leadership is synonymous with commanding, giving orders and supervising. However, true leadership happens far beyond the position or formal power.

Indirect Leadership is the ability to influence, inspire and guide others without needing direct authority.

And what is the basis of this leadership? A Growth Mindset.

The Growth Mindset as a Pillar of Indirect Leadership

The concept of Growth Mindset , coined by Carol Dweck, argues that our skills and intelligence are not fixed, but can be developed through effort, learning and resilience. In Indirect Leadership, this mindset is essential, as it determines how you position yourself in the face of challenges, how you inspire others and how you create an environment conducive to collective growth.

Indirect leaders with a fixed mindset , who believe that people’s capabilities are immutable, tend to demotivate their teams and create a culture of stagnation. Those with a growth mindset, on the other hand, promote development, encourage innovation and inspire by example.

How to Develop a Growth Mindset to Lead Indirectly

1. Embrace Challenges as Opportunities

Indirect leaders know that challenges are opportunities in disguise. Instead of avoiding uncomfortable situations, they see them as a chance to grow and learn.

Example: In a project where you have no hierarchical power, instead of complaining about the lack of authority, see it as an opportunity to develop persuasion, active listening and negotiation skills.

2. Reinforces Constructive Feedback

In Indirect Leadership environments, feedback is an essential tool to encourage continuous improvement . Give and receive feedback without fear, always focusing on growth.

Example: When you see that a colleague can improve, instead of criticizing, offer insights on how they can improve and show recognition for their efforts.

3. See Failure as Part of the Process

Indirect Leadership requires the courage to try, fail, and adjust. A growth mindset embraces mistakes as part of the journey.

Example: If a suggestion of yours is not well received by the team, instead of giving up, ask yourself: "What can I do differently to win over this audience?"

4. Create a Culture of Learning and Experimentation

Effective indirect leaders encourage continuous learning, both for themselves and for others.

Example: If you want to influence your team to adopt a new process, instead of imposing it, start by practicing it yourself and sharing the benefits enthusiastically.

5. Develops Emotional Intelligence

Self-knowledge and empathy are fundamental in Indirect Leadership. Those who understand and regulate their own emotions and recognize those of others can influence more effectively.

Example: In a moment of conflict in the team, instead of reacting impulsively, stop, observe and try to understand the perspectives before acting.

The Danger of Not Leading with a Growth Mindset

When an indirect leader adopts a fixed mindset , they limit not only their own development, but also that of the entire team. Some risks include:

• Group demotivation : Without incentive to grow, people feel undervalued.

• Resistance to change : Without belief in evolution, any attempt at innovation is viewed with skepticism.

• Toxic environment : When there is no room for error or growth, company culture can become a battleground for status and power.

  
  

The Impact of Indirect Leadership with a Growth Mindset

• At work : An indirect leader inspires colleagues to take responsibility and seek creative solutions.

• In the family : Parents with a growth mindset teach their children to learn from their mistakes and to persist in the face of difficulties.

• In personal life : A growth mindset allows you to overcome challenges, develop new skills and maintain a positive mindset.

  
  

Three Essential Books to Build a Growth Mindset and Lead Indirectly

1. "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" - Carol S. Dweck

   • The book that presents the concept of growth mindset and how it impacts all areas of life.

2. "Leadership Without Authority" - Keith Ferrazzi

   • Practical guide on how to influence and inspire people even without a management position.

3. "Emotional Intelligence" - Daniel Goleman

   • Essential for developing empathy, self-knowledge and leading effectively.

     
     

Indirect Leadership is one of the most powerful forms of influence, and a Growth Mindset is what differentiates a leader who merely commands from a leader who truly inspires.

Believing in your own and others’ potential for growth is what builds teams, strengthens relationships and creates lasting impact.

Now I ask: How can you apply a Growth Mindset to your leadership today?