Mindset Really Matters

Carol Dweck in her international bestseller, Mindset: The New Psychology Success, pointed out that a growth mindset is essential for success.In Mindset Matters: How Mindset Shifts unlock Extraordinary Leadership, Dave van der Merwe discuss 25 mindset shifts required to be an extraordinary leader in the South African context.Mindset is a perspective, attitude, philosophy, outlook, orientation or words. Mindset is a choice about how you respond to life and the daily challenges the world throws at you. Mindset requires action in every crucial moment of life. You can either react or choose your response. Given that mindset has the potential to unlock substantial value, it is crucial leadership capability. Your mindset choices can make a tremendous difference and change the live of others.The author offers practical steps to move into a positive mindset through case studies, stories and tools that can shift your mindset. That can lead to extraordinary leadership that unlock true potential of their followers. Some of the mindset shifts discussed are:

From self centered to human centered.
From lack of appreciation to giving recognition.
From disconnected and misaligned to shared purpose and alignment.
From stifling talent and limiting people to nurture talent and unlocking potential.
From stagnation and missing opportunities to open- minded curios and innovation.

In a country where negativity and pessimism are rife leaders with a positive and growth mindset can really make a difference in the organisations they serve.This book is for all leaders and prospective leaders whether in business, NGOs, Schools, Educational Institutions and Society at large.

Author Biography

Dave J van der Merwe is a tenth-generation South African born in the Karoo, who spent most of his childhood growing up in Nelspruit. Dave is married to Esmé and they have two sons, Calvin and Bradley. Dave experienced a life-changing event in his mid-twenties when he broke his neck playing rugby and narrowly escaped paralysis. This has encouraged him to live passionately and always have a positive outlook. This was also instrumental in leading him to his life’s purpose of making a difference in the lives of others and developing leaders who will shape our collective futures. Dave has broad and varied interests, including writing, travel, bird watching, photography, spending time in the Kruger National Park, cooking, fly-fishing, reading, running, walking, and playing golf. Dave and Esmé also lead a Life Group for their local church, and they run a small annual charity event to support underprivileged children and orphans. Dave is a qualified Chartered Accountant who works as a management consultant. He consults on unlocking leadership potential and impact, driving executive and organisational effectiveness, and sustainably transforming businesses through leadership. His deepest passion is facilitating high-impact leadership development experiences for senior executives.