Edition #23

Will you stay teachable when it’s tempting to perform?

In most environments, the pressure to know can be louder than the invitation to grow.
But leaders who commit to lifelong learning often outlast those who chase image.

Growth-minded people aren’t the ones with all the answers.
They’re the ones still asking better questions.

Real growth comes from curiosity, not certainty.
From seeking feedback, not avoiding it.
From trying new things, not clinging to what’s safe.

Ask yourself:

• Where am I pretending to know instead of embracing learning?

• What feedback have I been avoiding?

• What’s one small thing I could explore with a beginner’s mind today?

Challenge: Ask someone close to you, “What’s one thing you think I could improve on this month?” Then listen. No defensiveness. Just curiosity.

Read more about ‘The Power of Yet’ concept from Dr. Carol Dweck.

Will you view mistakes as evidence of growth, not failure?

Too often, we treat setbacks like stop signs instead of stepping stones.
But failure isn’t final, it’s feedback.

The difference between stuck and growing isn’t talent. It’s response.
A fixed mindset says, “I’m not good at this.”
A growth mindset says, “I’m not good at this yet.”

Every challenge holds the seed of a skill.
Every mistake carries a message, if you’re willing to hear it.

Ask yourself:

• When did I last make a mistake and what did I learn?

• What would change if I saw struggle as a signal, not a threat?

• Who could help me reframe failure this week?

Challenge: Think of one recent mistake or tough moment. Write down 3 lessons it taught you and how it might shape your next move.

To discover more about learning from our mistakes read this article from Dede Henley in Forbes. 

Will you create a team or family culture where learning is safe?

You can’t demand growth in others if you punish risk.
People only stretch where it’s safe to stumble.

Teams that learn well don’t fear failure.
They debrief it. They normalise feedback. They celebrate effort and experiment, not just outcomes.

Want your team or family to grow? Start by making learning visible.
Talk about what you’re still working on. Admit when you’re wrong. Show what it means to learn out loud.

Ask yourself:

• Do I model a mindset that values growth over being right?

• What kind of learning culture am I building?

• How could I make it safer to take smart risks?

Challenge: This week, share one mistake or learning moment with your team or family. Ask them to do the same. Then reflect on what you’re all discovering.

For more insights from Dr Paul Clark, where he shares ‘How to create safety culture like a championship winning sports team’, read this.

P.S. If you're curious about how aligned your team or business is heading into the second half, reply to this or email [email protected].

We’ve got a quick tool that can help you surface blind spots and build second-half momentum, without the burnout.