In terms of human development, I have gravitated toward the strengths-based approach over the last few years. Based in positive psychology, the strengths-based approach channels our energy and efforts through our natural ways of thinking, feeling, and doing (our "talents"). In short, the strengths-based approach is about authenticity: be who you are. I have found such an approach to be effective in developing potential, ours and our students.
But there is a certain dark side to the strengths-based approach, which I have come to better conceptualize through the excellent book Mindset by Carol Dweck. Dweck proposes a simple but effective model of human development. On the one hand, we may develop through the fixed mindset. The fixed mindset focuses on natural ability and talent; these fixed capacities by in large determine outcomes. On the other hand, we may develop through the growth mindset. The growth mindset focuses on learning and evolution; these growth-oriented activities by in large determine outcomes.
According to Dweck, the fixed mindset approaches intelligence as static and "leads to a desire to look smart and therefore a tendency to avoid challenges, get defensive or give up easily when facing obstacles, see effort as fruitless or worthless [since ability is inherent], ignore useful negative feedback, and feel threatened by the success of others” (245).
In contrast, the growth-mindset approaches intelligence as developmental and "leads to a desire to learn and therefore a tendency to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, see effort as the path to mastery, learn from criticism, and find lessons and inspiration in the success of others" (245).
In my conception, the strengths-based approach must be integrated with the growth-mindset in order to maximize both strategies. The dark side of the strengths-based approach is a fixed mindset that validates our worth and potential by compartmentalizing our strengths versus our weaknesses. In this scenario, the strengths-based approach will lead to limited human development, constrained by a fear of failure and an incessant need for affirmation of natural strengths and talents. In contrast, a strengths-based approach grounded in an active mindset sees our strengths as tools for growth, as opposed to natural abilities. In this alternative scenario, we become who we are through constant growth, challenge, and a positive response to failure and criticism. In my view, this paradigmatic shift creates a huge difference in the development of human potential.
Success or failure: which is the enemy? How we conceptualize our response to this question goes a long way in determing whether our development is fixed or growing.
Further Reading
Dweck, C. (2008). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. New York: Ballantine Books.
Clifton, D., Anderson, E., & Schreiner, L. (2006). Strengthsquest. New York: Gallup Press.
