It’s easy to lose focus on what the foundation of learning in an organization rests upon.

To promote learning and nurture a growth mindset, you need to create a climate of inquiry and openness, of patience, and of encouragement. Studies of top performers strongly suggest that people require a supportive environment in order to become the best they can be.

Researchers have found, in fact, that when there are high-quality relationships at work, people engage in more of the behaviors that lead to learning.

These relationships are characterized by positive regard for others and a sense of mutuality and trust. In order to create positive relationships like this, you need to offer encouraging words when people try something new, be patient and understanding when they get off track, and offer helpful suggestions as they try to learn and bounce back from mistakes.

Kouzes, James M.; Posner, Barry Z. (2012-06-19). The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations (J-B Leadership Challenge: Kouzes/Posner) (pp. 203-204). Wiley. Kindle Edition.