opportunities for growth and advancement . w Blame-shifting : Assigning blame to others for mistakes rather than taking responsibility can damage your credibility and hinder professional relationships . By avoiding accountability , you miss the chance to learn from setbacks and develop resilience ; a critical trait for navigating the complexities of your career . w Strained interpersonal relationships : Conflict avoidance and defensiveness in interactions undermine effective collaboration and networking opportunities . Building strong professional networks requires openness and receptiveness to feedback , which a defensive mindset often inhibits .
How to overcome a defensive mindset
Ever felt like your career is stuck in a rut or hindered by self-doubt ? Here are three actionable strategies to break free from defensiveness and chart a path towards success :
Cultivate self-awareness
1 There are various practices and strategies available , and we have found the following work particularly well : w Reflect regularly : Take time for self-reflection to recognise defensive tendencies and triggers . Ask yourself : “ When do I feel most defensive ?” and “ Which situations or feedback tend to trigger this response ?” w Seek feedback : Ask trusted mentors or colleagues for input to uncover blind spots and areas for improvement . Consider asking : “ What ’ s one improvement I could make to be more open to constructive feedback ?” w Practice mindfulness : Explore techniques like meditation or journaling to observe thoughts and emotions impartially . Why not start today by dedicating just 10 minutes to mindfulness exercises ?
Acknowledge and embrace discomfort
2 This is a pivotal step in the journey of personal and professional growth . Below are some actionable strategies : w Set stretch goals : Challenge with goals that go beyond your current skill levels or comfort zones . Start with small , attainable milestones that gradually push your boundaries . w Take calculated risks : Volunteer for projects or assignments that are outside your comfort zone but offer valuable learning opportunities . Embrace the uncertainty and potential for growth that comes with stepping into unfamiliar territory ! w Be proactive : Actively pursue opportunities for learning and growth , even if they involve discomfort or the possibility of failure . Cultivate resilience by reframing setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth rather than failures .
Confront challenges
3 This means taking proactive steps to address issues and obstacles rather than avoiding or denying them . Here ’ s how to tackle challenges head-on : w Break down complex problems : Daunting challenges look less difficult when broken into manageable tasks with a clear plan of action . Focus on tackling one step at a time to effectively make progress . w Seek support : Don ’ t hesitate to seek input from mentors , colleagues or other resources . Collaborating will give you insights , perspectives and practical solutions . w Take ownership : When mistakes or setbacks happen , put your focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on failures . Learn from setbacks , adapt your approach and keep moving forward with determination .
The move from a defensive to an adaptive mindset
An adaptive mindset is about staying curious , being open to learning and nurturing relationships with others . It ’ s like having a toolbox for success , where resilience helps you bounce back from challenges , agility lets you adapt to new situations quickly and a hunger for learning keeps you growing . Below are some actionable strategies to strengthen your adaptive mindset : w Embrace curiosity : Continually seek out new knowledge , skills and insights relevant to your field . Whether through formal education , online courses or self-directed learning , make learning a habit . w Choose your own frame : Cultivate resilience by reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning . Practice resilience-building techniques like positive self-talk , mindfulness and seeking support during challenging times . w Practice adaptability : Could you intentionally put yourself in new or unfamiliar situations ?
Unleash your potential
Breaking free from a defensive mindset isn ’ t just about career advancement . It ’ s about unleashing your full potential . By tuning into your inner dialogue , embracing discomfort as a pathway to growth and tackling challenges head-on , you ’ re not just evolving yourself but also empowering your team to thrive . Your journey towards an adaptive mindset starts now . Embrace it , own it and watch your career soar . S thinkoneteam . com
THE EXPERTS
Graham Winter and Martin Bean CBE co-authored Toolkit For Turbulence : The Mindset And Methods That Leaders Need To Turn Adversity To Advantage .
Summer Issue 2025 | Executive PA 51