Developing a Growth Mindset: A Guide for HTM Professionals

The 2023 AAMI eXchange, the most highly anticipated conference in the healthcare technology management (HTM) field, brought together industry professionals and thought leaders to discuss the latest trends and challenges in the rapidly evolving healthcare technology landscape. Among the engaging sessions that captivated attendees, Crothall’s presentation on developing a growth mindset stood out as a thought-provoking and essential topic for HTM professionals seeking to thrive in an era of constant innovation and change.

Led by three dynamic speakers from Crothall’s Healthcare Technology Solutions division—Shannon W., Codi N., and Ryan S.—the session shed light on the critical importance of cultivating a growth mindset and embracing continuous learning in the HTM profession. In today’s rapidly changing world, the healthcare technology management (HTM) field is constantly evolving.

Their insights and personal experiences offered a fresh perspective on how HTM professionals can navigate and excel in this dynamic environment. No matter what stage of their career, HTM professionals must cultivate a growth mindset that embraces challenges, sees failure as an opportunity for growth, and prioritizes continuous learning and improvement.

This blog post breaks down the eight strategies Shannon, Codi, and Ryan discussed to help HTM professionals develop a growth mindset and find their full potential.

1. Identify Your Goals

The first step in developing a growth mindset is to identify your goals. Set clear, specific, measurable objectives aligning with your personal and professional aspirations. Having a clear vision of what you want to achieve, you can focus your efforts and channel your energy towards continuous improvement.

2. Assess Your Current Position

Once you have defined your goals, assessing your current position is essential. Take stock of your skills, knowledge, and experience to identify areas where you excel and require improvement. This self-assessment will help you understand where you stand and where you need to focus your efforts to grow professionally.

3. Develop Your Personal Brand

Your brand reflects your skills, expertise, and reputation within the HTM industry. Cultivating a strong personal brand is essential for professional growth. Identify your unique strengths and values and find ways to showcase them. Build a strong online presence through platforms like LinkedIn, where you can share insights, engage with industry professionals, and establish yourself as a thought leader.

4. Identify Your Strengths/ Weaknesses/ Opportunities/ Threats

Conducting a personal SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis is an effective way to comprehensively understand yourself and the environment you operate in. Identify your strengths to leverage them further, acknowledge your weaknesses to work on them, identify growth opportunities, and recognize potential threats to develop strategies to overcome them. This analysis will help you create a roadmap for personal and professional development.

5. “Not Yet” Is Okay

A growth mindset acknowledges that abilities and skills can be developed over time. Embrace the concept of “not yet” when faced with challenges or setbacks. Instead of viewing a lack of expertise as a personal shortcoming, reframe it as an opportunity for growth. Adopting a “not yet” mentality empowers you to persevere, learn from failures, and continually improve your skills.

6. Foster Resilience and Grit

Resilience and grit are crucial for HTM professionals developing a growth mindset. Setbacks and failures are part of the learning process and should be viewed as steppingstones toward success. Cultivate resilience by staying positive, maintaining a sense of purpose, and seeking support from mentors or colleagues. Develop grit by demonstrating perseverance, determination, and a willingness to put in the effort required to achieve your goals.

7. Take on Challenges

To develop a growth mindset, seek challenges that push you out of your comfort zone. Embrace new projects, responsibilities, or learning opportunities that stretch your abilities. Embracing challenges stimulates personal and professional growth, expands your skill set, and boosts your confidence. Even if you encounter obstacles, see them as opportunities to learn, adapt, and improve.

8. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is being fully present and aware of the current moment. By practicing mindfulness, HTM professionals can enhance their ability to focus, manage stress, and make better decisions. Engage in meditation, deep breathing exercises, or short breaks throughout the day to clear your mind. Being mindful allows you to approach challenges with clarity, creativity, and a growth-oriented perspective.

Developing a growth mindset is a continuous process that requires intention, self-reflection, and perseverance. By implementing the strategies discussed in this blog post, HTM professionals can cultivate a mindset that embraces challenges, fosters resilience, and prioritizes personal and professional growth. We encourage you to embrace the growth journey and reap the rewards that come with a mindset focused on continuous improvement.

In addition to the strategies mentioned in this blog post, there are many other things you can do to develop a growth mindset. To receive a copy of our Growth Mindset Toolkit, email Jency.Pullum@compass-usa.com.