July 2, 2025 - Blog Post

The Benefits of a Growth Mindset as a Board Director

It’s been a while since I last posted a blog. I was out to other parts of our beautiful country looking at birds, finishing my teaching schedule and continuing my work on the online director’s course which, by the way, is coming together and should be available this fall.   I am really excited about it and believe it will be an invaluable learning tool for all of us whether you’re new to the game or have been a director for some time.

In tandem with that initiative, I would like to focus this blog on the concept of adopting a growth mindset. Today’s dynamic and often challenging condominium environment presents all kinds of leadership challenges.  To meet those challenges directors who adopt a growth mindset (the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and learning) offers significant benefits to both the director and their condo community.   Let’s take a look at some of those benefits:

1. Embracing Challenges Instead of Avoiding Them

A growth-minded director views obstacles not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to learn and adapt.  Whether it’s navigating new legislation, resolving a dispute between residents, or addressing deferred maintenance, this mindset fosters perseverance and resilience. Rather than saying, “This is too complicated,” a growth-oriented director asks, “What can I learn to better understand this?”

What kind of response doyou hear in your discussions with your board?

2. Encouraging Continuous Learning

Condo governance is becoming increasingly complex. From financial oversight and building maintenance to legal obligations and community relations, board members must stay informed.  Directors with a growth mindset are more likely to seek out training, attend educational sessions (like CCI NS Webinars and the new Director’s Course coming this fall), and stay up-to-date on best practices. This not only enhances their personal effectiveness but also strengthens the board as a whole.

Does your board partake of the learning opportunities currently available?  What about your owners?

3. Fostering Constructive Dialogue

A growth mindset allows directors to view feedback not as criticism but as a valuable tool for improvement.   This attitude builds trust among fellow board members and with residents. Instead of reacting defensively, growth-minded directors listen actively, reflect, and adjust where needed. This leads to more collaborative, respectful, and transparent governance.

What kind of feedback loops do you currently have and how are they used?

4. Improving Problem-Solving and Innovation

Communities change, and so do their needs.  Directors who are open to new ideas and different perspectives are better positioned to find creative and practical solutions to emerging challenges.  A growth mindset supports innovation—whether it’s adopting new communication tools, improving energy efficiency, or revising outdated policies.

What new initiatives have you undertaken in the past year or are planning to undertake?

5. Leading by Example

A board director with a growth mindset models humility, adaptability, and lifelong learning.  These traits set a powerful example for fellow directors, property managers, and residents. It signals a willingness to work toward shared goals, to admit when something isn't working, and to try a new approach when necessary.

Does your board and the owners have shared goals?   If so what are they and if not are you prepared to discover them?

6. Reducing Burnout and Increasing Confidence

Serving on a condo board can be stressful. Directors often juggle competing demands and expectations. A fixed mindset can lead to frustration, especially when things don’t go as planned. By contrast, a growth mindset creates space for self-compassion, learning from mistakes, and celebrating small wins. This resilience helps board members stay engaged and effective for longer.

What strategies do you use to stay engaged?

Final Thoughts

A growth mindset isn’t just a personal asset - it’s a leadership advantage.  In the context of a condominium corporation, it leads to better governance, stronger relationships, and a healthier, more adaptable community.  As CCI promotes education and excellence in condo management, fostering a culture of growth-minded leadership is key to building thriving communities.   We at CCI are here to help communities achieve a growth mindset. Take advantage of it. What have you got to lose?

“Becoming is better than being.” — Carol Dweck, author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

Michael Kennedy
CCI Nova Scotia