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The Most Critical Soft Skill

Published Fri Sep 29 2023

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Shekhinah Bass, the head of talent strategy at Goldman Sachs, knows a thing or two about the skills employees need for success; though, one soft skill in particular distinguishes high performers on Wall Street from the average—a growth mindset. Growth mindset, as defined by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that one’s abilities, talents, and knowledge can be continuously improved and expanded. This mindset fosters a hunger for learning and openness to feedback (and willingness to act upon it) that are crucial for successful careers. Bass suggests that one’s response to workplace feedback is a clear indicator of their growth mindset. Those with a growth mindset see feedback as an opportunity to identify and improve their blind spots. To cultivate such a mindset, individuals should set challenging goals, take risks, and actively seek feedback and coaching from others. Neuroscientists have found that a growth mindset is highly effective in achieving goals, acquiring new skills, and embracing failures as learning opportunities. It is also a highly sought-after skill by companies in hiring. Bass emphasizes that being open to improvement and willing to try new approaches or ideas is a valuable trait in both personal and professional development.

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