Growth Mindset Overcomes Genetics
If you’re like me—and countless other small organization leaders—you’ve probably asked yourself at least once (or more like thirty times during hard situations): Do I have what it takes to be a great leader? Do I have the genes or traits to really improve myself and my organization?
It’s a tough question. Self-doubt is natural, especially when facing the unique challenges that come with running a small business or nonprofit. But there’s hope—quite a bit of hope—thanks to something called growth mindset.
A Personal Story About Doubt—and Growth
About fifteen years ago, I was thrown into a project that challenged me from every angle and forced me to be a leader I didn’t think I could be.
As a young adult, I had helped my parents build a retail shoe store. The business grew, and five years later we were ready to expand to a larger location. I had built out the interior of our first store, so naturally, I was the one asked to lead the next build. But this new project wasn’t just me and a few tools—it involved contractors, employees, and suppliers.
I was nervous, as I had never directed so many people before, and I felt deeply uncomfortable in this new role. I didn’t think I had what it takes to lead.
But necessity creates opportunity. With so much on the line and no one else to take the reins, I had to step up. I learned through trial and error—what worked, what didn’t. If I had given in to that inner resistance, I never would have discovered I could actually lead. I would have stayed stuck in the belief that I wasn’t “built” for leadership.
What’s Holding You Back: A Fixed Mindset
This brings us to mindset. I’ve seen so many leaders (and myself at times) say things like I can’t do that or That’s just not me without much explanation. That’s what researchers call a fixed mindset—a belief that your abilities are static and can’t be changed.¹
It’s a belief that says you either have the right traits or you don’t. You’re either born a leader—or you’re not. But if I’d held onto that belief during our business expansion, I would have bowed out and never grown.
That mindset puts your locus of control outside of yourself. And for leaders, that becomes a real problem. If you believe you can’t grow, you won’t.
But Don’t Genes Influence Leadership?
Yes, genetics can influence certain aspects of personality and behavior. That’s the premise of behavioral genetics, which explores how our genes may affect how we act. But the key word here is influence.²
There’s still a lot of debate about just how much genes affect things like leadership. But one argument stands out: genes don’t override choice. In other words, even if your genes play a role, your decisions and effort matter more.
Why Growth Mindset Changes Everything
This is where the idea of a growth mindset comes in. In her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck explains that a growth mindset is the belief that your intelligence and abilities can be developed over time. And that includes your leadership skills.¹
Even better, Dweck points out that mindsets themselves can change through structured, intentional effort. And I can tell you from personal experience, one of the most effective ways to start is by changing how you praise yourself.
Praise the Effort—Even When It Feels Unnatural
This might feel counterintuitive, especially if you’re a perfectionist (like I tend to be), but praising yourself for your effort—not just results—makes a real difference.
It’s a form of mindful self-compassion. When I focus on how much effort I put into something—especially something difficult—it eases that sense of failure and builds confidence over time.
It helps shift the focus away from Do I have the right genes? to Am I willing to show up and try hard things?
That’s the real power of mindset. It turns doubt into growth and resistance into leadership.
Key Points
- Leadership isn’t genetic – Your ability to lead isn’t fixed by your DNA; it can be developed over time.
- Mindset matters – A growth mindset helps leaders overcome self-doubt and embrace learning.
- Effort builds confidence – Praising effort, not just outcomes, increases resilience and motivation.
- Choice outweighs traits – While genes may influence behavior, your choices shape your leadership journey.
Sources:
- Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.
- Krull, D. (2019). Psychological Science: A Conversational Approach (2nd ed.). Kona Publishing.
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