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In today’s fast-paced and interconnected business landscape, the concept of an outward mindset holds immense significance. As a business coach, I firmly believe that adopting an outward mindset can have a profound impact on how individuals and organisations navigate their journey towards success. Just recently read the Outward Mindset from Arbinger Institute.  I try to wrap up briefly what I’ve learned.

Outward Mindset Can Help with Individuals or Organisations

Our mindset is based on our fundamental beliefs about ourselves: who we are, what we can do, and how the world works. This belief system determines the lens through which we see everything else in life. From an inward perspective, this lens is narrowly focused on ourselves; from an outward perspective, this lens is broadened to include others.

Your mindset is important in your personal life and work. Whether you are an individual or an organisation, having the right mindset can help you achieve success. There are two different mindsets that people often use- the inward mindset and the outward mindset.

With an inward mindset, individuals tend to think only about their needs, challenges, and objectives relative to a given problem. They can be very focused and driven, but this focus can also lead to tunnel vision. With an outward mindset, individuals instead focus on collective results. They are more collaborative and less concerned with taking all the credit. This type of thinking leads to better overall outcomes for everyone involved.

Seeing the World as It Is

An outward mindset encourages us to perceive the world as it truly is, rather than through the lens of our personal assumptions and biases. In an era where collaboration and partnerships are paramount, cultivating an outward mindset becomes a non-negotiable requirement.

However, it’s important to note that an outward mindset doesn’t come naturally to everyone. It’s a conscious shift in perspective that demands us to rewire our thinking about others.

According to the Arbinger Institute, renowned for their work on mindset transformation, the most significant catalyst for change isn’t merely a shift in self-belief but a fundamental change in how we view and engage with others.

The Pitfall of an Inward Mindset

When individuals and organisations operate with an inward mindset, they become trapped in a self-centred paradigm. This self-focus distorts their reality, limits their potential, and detrimentally impacts their behaviour and relationships.

It’s essential to differentiate introspection from an inward mindset. Introspection can take a self-centred turn, indicating an inward mindset. In contrast, when introspection extends to understanding our connections with others, it aligns with the essence of an outward mindset. Sometimes, looking inward helps us see how we relate to the world outside ourselves.

The Shift Toward an Outward Mindset

Transitioning from an inward to an outward mindset requires more than surface-level adjustments or changes in behaviour. It necessitates a profound shift in how we perceive and think about others.

How we see and respond to others often reflects our internal state. Sometimes, we become fixated on the shortcomings of others to avoid addressing our own.

As a business coach, I firmly believe that “inward-mindset individuals and organisations do things, while outward-mindset individuals and organisations empower others to do things.” It’s crucial to assess whether your primary focus aligns with the needs, objectives, and challenges of those you aim to serve.

The Outward Mindset Pattern

Arbinger Institute identifies a pattern followed by those who consistently operate with an outward mindset:

1. They perceive the needs, objectives, and challenges of others.
2. They adjust their efforts to provide genuine assistance.
3. They measure and hold themselves accountable for the impact of their work on others.

Initiating an Outward Mindset

Embracing an outward mindset starts with you. It’s about turning your mindset towards others without expecting reciprocation. This capability to change how you work with others, irrespective of whether they change, epitomises genuine leadership.

To embark on this transformative journey:

1. Start with mindset: Apply the outward-mindset pattern – see others, adjust your efforts, and measure your impact.
2. Don’t wait for others to change: The most crucial step is to shift your mindset regardless of whether others follow suit.
3. Mobilise for collective goals: Recognize that each individual is a part of a larger whole.
4. Promote responsibility: Encourage individuals, including yourself, to take ownership of their work and its impact.
5. Eliminate unnecessary distinctions: Break down barriers that separate you from others.
6. Rethink systems: If you have the authority, adapt organisational systems and processes to align with an outward mindset, creating an environment that energises people.

In conclusion, embracing an outward mindset is not just a buzzword; it’s a profound shift in perspective that can revolutionise your business and leadership. As a business coach, I encourage you to embark on this journey, not only for the benefit of your organisation but also for your personal growth as a leader. 

if you want to make a quick decision, just flip a coin and while it’s in the air, test yourself if you wish to have heads or tails. If you need professional help to make serious decisions, do not hesitate to contact me for business coaching.

Remember, true leadership begins with looking outward, regardless of who’s looking back. You can even start by taking the Mindset Audit online.

References & Credits:

The Outward Mindset: Seeing Beyond Ourselves (Arbinger Institute)

https://www.leadershipnow.com/leadingblog/2017/03/the_outward_mindset_seeing_bey.html