If I have the wrong mindset, does that mean I'm a failure? Or that you don't know how to lead me?

We want you to change the mindset of our people.

If I got a penny every time I heard the phrase, I’d be rich.

But there’s a problem with this logic.

I can’t change the mindset of a company.

No one can – it just ‘is’.

Be honest: how would you feel about having your mindset ‘changed’? 

What you can do is expand people’s willingness to try new things.

Explore new directions.

Meet them where they are and frame the strategy as a Story they understand and appreciate.

Maybe even get them excited.

So next time someone asks for a ‘mindset change’

Ask yourself:

Are they really talking about their teams - or about themselves?