6. Growth Mindset: Developing People Through God’s Lens
Scripture Reference: Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Leadership Through the Lens of Potential
In Philippians 1:6, Paul articulates a profound confidence—not just in what God is doing in him, but in what God is doing in others. This verse is more than encouragement; it is a leadership mindset. Paul sees people not by where they are but by where God is taking them. That’s the essence of developmental leadership.
The best leaders don’t settle for managing people. They develop people. And development begins with belief—believing in their capacity to grow, in their God-given potential, and in the process of spiritual and personal transformation over time.
Growth Mindset: Carol Dweck’s Breakthrough
Carol Dweck’s growth mindset theory is a game-changer in leadership and education. She contrasts two mindsets:
Fixed mindset: Believes abilities are static and unchangeable.
Growth mindset: Believes abilities can be developed through effort, strategy, and input from others.
Paul demonstrates a godly version of the growth mindset. He acknowledges that the Philippians are still in process—but he doesn’t shame them for their flaws or fear their weakness. Instead, he expresses confidence in God’s work within them, a confidence that inspires perseverance and progress.
Leaders who operate with a biblical growth mindset:
Celebrate small steps of growth.
Offer feedback without condemnation.
Refuse to reduce people to their past.
Align encouragement with accountability.
Situational Leadership: Meeting People Where They Are
Ken Blanchard and Paul Hersey’s Situational Leadership Model emphasizes adapting leadership style based on followers’ development level. Effective leaders don’t treat everyone the same—they flex between directing, coaching, supporting, and delegating based on the person’s growth stage.
Paul models this brilliantly. He writes with affection and affirmation to the Philippians, knowing they are spiritually maturing. He encourages where needed (Phil. 1:3–5), exhorts when required (Phil. 2:14), and reminds them that God’s work is ongoing.
This dynamic leadership model reminds us that effective discipleship and leadership demand patience, attentiveness, and faith in the process.
Coaching and Empowering Others
In today’s leadership culture, great leaders are often described as coaches—those who draw out potential through intentional conversations, empowering feedback, and strategic development.
Coaching-oriented leaders:
Ask questions before offering solutions.
Recognize progress, not just outcomes.
Help others set and pursue growth goals.
Invite people into a long-term vision, not short-term fixes.
Paul’s words in Philippians 1:6 are the foundation of a coaching culture: “God is at work in you. I believe it. Keep going.”
Reflective Questions:
Do you lead others based on their past performance or their future potential?
How can you adopt a growth mindset toward someone who’s struggling?
What development steps can you take to coach or mentor someone in your circle this week?