"Cultures of Growth" presents a compelling exploration into the dynamics of organizational mindset, drawing from Carol Dweck's groundbreaking research on growth versus fixed mindsets. Murphy adeptly expands upon Dweck's concepts, demonstrating how these mindsets manifest within groups and influence their behaviors and outcomes.

Murphy's work introduces two distinct cultural paradigms: a 'culture of genius,' which esteems innate talent as paramount, and a 'culture of growth,' which prioritizes continuous development and improvement. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, she illustrates how these mindsets shape organizational cultures, impacting everything from innovation and risk-taking to diversity and inclusion efforts.

What distinguishes "Cultures of Growth" is its practical approach. Murphy doesn't just theorize; she provides tangible strategies for fostering a growth-oriented environment. By identifying mindset triggers that can inadvertently reinforce fixed thinking, she empowers leaders to cultivate environments that nurture resilience, creativity, and collective progress.

One of the book's strengths lies in its relevance across various sectors. From corporate giants recalibrating their strategies to educational institutions reshaping learning paradigms, Murphy's framework proves adaptable and impactful. Each chapter not only delves into the theoretical underpinnings but also offers actionable insights that leaders can implement immediately.

Moreover, Murphy's writing style is both engaging and accessible, making complex psychological concepts accessible to a broad audience. Her narrative seamlessly weaves together empirical evidence with real-world anecdotes, ensuring that the book is not only enlightening but also a pleasure to read.

For anyone invested in organizational development, leadership, or personal growth, "Cultures of Growth" is essential reading. It challenges conventional wisdom, offering a roadmap for transforming mindsets and driving sustainable success. By the final page, readers will not only understand the profound impact of mindset on organizational dynamics but also feel equipped to foster a culture where every individual can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

Knowing the author was expanding on Carol Dweck mindset work meant this was an absolute must read. And it did not disappoint, it was incredibly helpful to read about how much our mindset can be influenced by the world around us. The book really breaks it down and makes it easy to understand. I felt vindicated by seeing situations that I recognized from past work and school cultures but never really understood what was really at play. Now I know the signs of the cultural aspects at play, I know how to deal with them in a better way. I appreciated the reflective exercises and will definitely go back and work with them.

Cultures of Growth: How the New Science of Mindset Can Transform Individuals, Teams, and Organizations, by Mary C. Murphy, Carol Dweck (Foreword): I love Carol Dweck’s research on Mindset, and so was thrilled when I learned her protege was extending that research to look into how mindsets shift within organizations. While the original research implies that a growth or fixed mindset is a personal trait and somewhat fixed to the individual, Mary Murphy’s research proves that mindset is actually fluid based on the circumstance- so we need to learn how to adapt ourselves and our environment to get the best results. Murphy gives the why and how of creating a “Culture of Growth” rather than the “Culture of Genius”, and the book is filled with inspiring examples from businesses, schools, and other organizations. If you liked Mindset, you will LOVE this book, and I consider it a must-read for any team leader.

“Growth mindset” is a popular term right now in leadership, and a very important one. This is a fresh take on growth mindset, focusing on how to foster this in a group rather than just individually. This book has relevant examples and practical tips to transform your organization from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.