Because mindsets often operate below conscious awareness, changing them requires deliberate attention to notice and then interrupt one’s default reactions.
To help with the mindset change process, do the following –
- Pause – Stop and notice what automatic reaction or response would occur in an upcoming situation.
For example, it could be a desire to make a decision quickly or an impulse to place blame somewhere. To help with this, take extra time to form your thoughts.
- Perceive – Notice what thoughts or emotions are arising in a new situation, such as fear of being seen as underqualified or annoyance at having to clean up someone else’s project.
Perhaps you can even name some of the assumptions and biases beneath them.
- Pivot – Experiment with a different perspectives, views, interpretation or response – even if it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar.
For example, change an impulse towards blame gets replaced with greater curiosity about what happened. To help with this, ask questions, encourage dialogue, etc.
- Practice – Repeat the above and learn more about how the brain operates to become more comfortable with this new thinking.
Over time, you will see new patterns strengthen with new perspectives and mindsets emerging and taking root.
Why is Mindset Important ?
Because leaders are at risk of themselves and their organization falling behind as change accelerates, mainly due to – the impact of technology (especially with AI), rising expectations, new opportunities and notions of value, aversion to risk, etc.
Fortunately, because people have the potential to adapt, innovate, be curious, etc. – this enables us to look inside ourselves to assess what’s good and what needs improvement, have the courage to learn new things, unlearn old views and patterns, rework long-held assumptions, set new objectives, etc.
To develop the mindset to make innovation more rewarding (to create new value, better manage change, and meaningfully improve outcomes), all the best in practicing the above. For further insights, see – www.cail.com/BI .
Oct 9, 2026 By Jacqueline Carter / CAIL CAIL innovation commentary info@cail.com www.cail.com 905-940-9000