A big part of leadership is helping your employees develop the confidence and skills needed to handle challenges. Here’s how you can encourage a growth mindset among your team members.

Be open to new challenges. Don’t just stick to what feels comfortable. When you are open to taking on new opportunities, you are modeling that it’s okay for your team members to do the same. This is the only way that people can grow in their careers. And don’t take on a new challenge by yourself. Show that it’s okay to not know everything by asking lots of questions and getting input from the people around you.

Assign ownership. The way to build confidence in your team members is to give them responsibility for a project. This doesn’t mean you assign a project and that’s it. Make sure the employee is fully supported—with resources and the encouragement to ask for help and advice when necessary.

Set “stretch goals.” These goals should push the team members slightly beyond their capabilities. This creates an environment where employees are encouraged to use their creativity to problem-solve. It also makes them less fearful of failure and more willing to take on future challenges. 

Involve your team in decision-making. When there is a decision that will affect your entire team, involving them is important. It shows them that leadership is not about having all the answers. In addition, you create goodwill among staff members by showing that you value their opinions.

Support learning. Encourage your team to engage in education and training to learn new skills. Higher education courses, certification programs, seminars, online courses, meetings, and more not only impart knowledge but can also re-energize your employees. You’ll benefit from the new ideas they will bring to your workplace. 

For more advice, read “How a Growth Mindset Can Strengthen Your Leadership Pipeline.”