“The only limit to our realisation of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
In the immediate years after the 2003 War in Iraq, the coalition fought the same war every six months. The beginning of each new 6-month rotation brought fresh-faced, eager commanders, intent on medals and glory. Despite the ethos of Mission Command, the strategic result was a fixed mindset which lasted years. Until it didn’t. A transition to an Unstoppable mindset released a campaign mentality.
Embracing Growth: The Unstoppable Leader’s Path
In the dynamic of an Unstoppable landscape, where change is the only constant, possessing a growth mindset is indispensable. Coined by psychologist Carol S. Dweck, the concept of a growth mindset revolves around the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed with dedication and hard work. Unstoppable leaders, those who steer their teams through adversity and forge ahead, understand the profound impact of this mindset on their personal and professional growth.
Resilience Through Adversity: Inspirational Examples
At the core of unstoppable leadership lies an unwavering resilience, and a growth mindset serves as its most potent catalyst. Leaders who adopt this mindset do not view setbacks as insurmountable obstacles, but rather as opportunities for growth and learning. When faced with adversity, they do not retreat, but stand firm in their belief that challenges are stepping stones toward progress. I remember a photograph of my daughter taken at the gates of the prison on Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent years imprisoned. Yet he emerged stronger, more determined, and ultimately became a beacon of hope and reconciliation for his nation. Mandela’s unwavering belief in the potential for growth and change exemplifies the power of a growth mindset in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Strategies for Cultivating a Growth Mindset
Those of us who adopt a growth mindset understand that our abilities are not fixed, but rather malleable. We view challenges as opportunities for growth, not as insurmountable obstacles. This perspective empowers us to embrace change and seek out new learning experiences. We acknowledge that failure is not a permanent state, but a temporary setback from which valuable lessons can be gleaned.
Moreover, we are more likely to inspire and motivate our teams. By demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and improvement, we set a precedent that encourages similar. This fosters a culture of innovation, resilience, and adaptability within the organization.
Key Practices for Developing an Unstoppable Attitude
Embrace Challenges: Seek out challenges rather than avoiding them.
Learn from Failure: View failure as a stepping stone towards success.
Cultivate a Passion for Learning: Be an avid learner.
Maintain a Positive Attitude: Approach challenges with optimism.
Seek Feedback and Criticism: Embrace feedback for continuous improvement.
“In the words of American author and motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar, ‘Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.’ Indeed, it is the growth mindset and the positive attitude that accompanies it that propels leaders to new heights of success, making them truly unstoppable. Embracing this mindset is not just a choice; it is a commitment to becoming the best leader one can be.
Application in Mission Command: Translating to Civilian Life
Mission Command: an excerpt from Unstoppable: Living Beyond our Limits.
“Unlike the Clones of Kamino, the British Armed Forces carefully ensure that not all our uniqueness is destroyed in our transition from civilian to military. It is referred to as ‘Mission Command’. Mission Command imposes a responsibility on everyone in uniform.
Mission Command tells you what to do, but it’s left up to you to choose how to do it. Learning ‘how to do it’, becomes a lifelong journey. Mission command is a mixture of experience, imagination, and judgement all mixed up with zest for courageous growth.
Mission Command translates to the civilian world as taking responsibility rather than resting on our rights.”
