Leading with a Growth Mindset: Why Development Drives Great Leadership
- Dom Gardner
- Sep 17
- 2 min read
Great leaders aren’t just born—they’re built over time. In the fast-changing world of healthcare, leaders who embrace continuous learning not only adapt better—they inspire others to do the same. They stay curious, seek out new perspectives, and grow through feedback instead of fearing it. Commitment to growth isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress—and the willingness to get better every day. Let’s explore how growth-minded leadership strengthens teams, sparks innovation, and creates a culture of development.
What Exactly Is a Commitment to Growth?
A commitment to growth means consistently investing in your learning, leadership, and personal evolution. It includes:
Self-reflection: Regularly asking, “What can I improve?”
Feedback seeking: Actively inviting insights from peers, staff, and mentors
Openness to change: Letting go of outdated habits or mindsets
Professional development: Engaging in training, reading, or coaching
Leading by example: Showing your team that growth is a shared priority
Growth-oriented leaders don’t settle. They stretch—and help others do the same.
Why Growth Matters in Healthcare Leadership
Healthcare doesn’t stand still—and neither can its leaders. Those who actively develop themselves create stronger, more future-ready teams. They model what it means to evolve with the industry, not just react to it. Growth-minded leaders:
Encourage learning across the team
Adapt to challenges with curiosity, not fear
Invite diverse voices and new ideas
Normalize feedback and reflection as part of success
Create safe space for improvement and innovation
When leaders invest in their own development, it signals that growth is part of the culture—not just the expectation.
Real-World Application: Growth in Action
Let’s make this practical:
A leader attends a communication workshop—and shares key takeaways with their team.
A mistake is made—and instead of blame, the leader asks, “What can we learn from this?”
During evaluations, the leader asks each staff member, “What support would help you grow this year?”
In these moments, learning isn’t something extra—it’s embedded in the way the team functions and flourishes.
How to Lead with More Growth
Growth starts with intention. Here are simple ways to lead with a growth mindset:
Set personal development goals—just like performance goals
Read or listen to content that expands your thinking
Join learning communities or peer networks
Ask for regular feedback—and act on it
Celebrate progress, not perfection
When leaders stay open, humble, and curious, they create teams that are resilient, adaptable, and always improving.
A Gentle Reflection
What’s one area of your leadership you’d like to grow in? What would happen if you asked your team, “How can I better support your growth?” Every small step forward creates momentum—not just for you, but for the culture you’re building.
Wrapping Up
In healthcare leadership, growth isn’t optional—it’s essential. A commitment to growth leads to better outcomes, stronger relationships, and more effective teams. It keeps leadership alive, agile, and impactful. Because when leaders lead with a growth mindset, they don’t just develop themselves. They elevate everyone around them.