What Does It Mean to Have a Growth Mindset at Work?

Starting a new job, training for a career, or stepping into something unfamiliar can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re just entering the workforce or returning after time away, it’s normal to face doubts. But one powerful mindset can make a real difference: the growth mindset.

At the heart of our Career Development Program (CDP) is the belief that everyone can learn, improve, and grow. That’s why we introduce the growth mindset from the very beginning—it sets the tone for how we show up at work, in training, and in life.

What is a growth mindset?

A growth mindset means believing that your abilities aren’t fixed—you can develop new skills through effort, practice, and support. It’s the idea that you’re not limited by where you started. You’re capable of learning and improving with time.

Someone with a growth mindset might say:

• “I’ve never done this before, but I’m willing to try.”

• “That didn’t go perfectly, but I learned something valuable.”

• “I’m not there yet, but I’m getting better every day.”

This mindset is different from a fixed mindset, where people believe their talents or intelligence are unchangeable. With a fixed mindset, mistakes feel like failure. With a growth mindset, mistakes are part of the learning process.

What does this look like at work?

In any job—whether you’re prepping food, working with customers, managing a shift, or applying for your first position—a growth mindset shows up in how you respond to challenges:

• You try something new, even if it’s unfamiliar.

• You take feedback seriously, not personally.

• You treat setbacks as opportunities to adjust and keep going.

It could mean asking questions when you’re unsure, practicing a new skill outside of work, or applying feedback to improve your performance.

Why it matters

Employers value people who are open to learning, adaptable, and proactive. That’s what a growth mindset looks like in action—and it’s a key trait for long-term success in any career path.

When you develop a growth mindset, you’re more likely to:

• Stay motivated, even when things get tough

• Try new tasks and roles

• Build confidence step by step

• Keep improving over time

It also makes job searching, interviewing, and goal-setting feel more manageable. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be willing to grow.

A mindset you can build

The good news? A growth mindset isn’t something you’re born with or without. It’s something you practice. You build it by being open to learning, giving yourself permission to make mistakes, and showing up consistently.

That’s what the Career Development Program is all about: helping you gain the tools, support, and mindset to move forward in your career—wherever you’re starting from.