During the March 2025 LILA gathering focused on Shifting Complex Systems, guest faculty Mary Murphy shared fascinating insights on mindset as a cultural feature—embedded within teams, groups, and organizations rather than just an individual trait.

Mary introduced a shift from the traditional fixed vs. growth” mindset model (1.0) to a more dynamic Mindset 2.0 framework. This approach considers how organizational culture, leadership practices, and situational triggers influence whether individuals adopt a fixed or growth mindset. One key takeaway? Sustainable change happens at the micro–culture level—shaping local team dynamics rather than relying solely on individual mindset shifts.

A concept that resonated deeply with LILA members was mindset triggers—predictable situations that can nudge individuals toward a fixed or growth mindset.

So, what can leaders do to foster a culture of growth?
🔹 Focus on micro-cultures—Are your organization’s practices, policies, and mindset triggers reinforcing a fixed mindset when a growth mindset is needed?
Sustainable change happens locally before scaling system-wide.
🔹 Use transparency & framing—Communicating challenges as opportunities for learning and collaboration helps teams shift toward a growth mindset.
🔹 Explore ways to encourage constructive feedback and celebrate learning from mistakes.
🔹 Create psychologically safe environments—Encourage challenge-seeking, learning from mistakes, and cross-team collaboration to normalize growth-oriented behaviors.
🔹 Reflect on which mindset triggers are most prevalent within your teams and the organization.
🔹 Identify opportunities to reshape how these triggers are experienced to foster a more growth-oriented environment.

What are your mindset triggers? How might these be shaping the culture you set for the teams you lead?