On the "Gretzky Mindset"

In recent years, the concept of the "Fixed Mindset" has emerged, which is the belief that intelligence (or any ability) is a fixed feature of our personality, that we are born with it and that there is little we can do to change it. In contrast, the concept of the "Growth Mindset", is a belief in which we view challenges and change as a motivation to increase our efforts and motivation.

Today, we have to adapt. All of us. As an entrepreneur, we must consider three types of mindset or strategy. Perhaps one or the other, a combination of two, or even all three.

The "Survival Mindset" is currently ubiquitous. In recent weeks, entrepreneurs have made difficult, drastic, but necessary decisions. They have reduced their expenses and negative cash flow to a minimum, preserved essential jobs, contacted all of their clients to assess the feasibility of current projects, and then re-evaluated. And reassess. On a daily basis. For many, it's survival in an arid desert.

Some companies like Pixmob, Can-Explore, Epurair (and many others) make a 45, 90 and even 180 degree turnaround. This is the "Pivotal Mindset". What are our assets? What resources do we have? What do we know how to do? What can we do? What are the urgent needs currently required in the list of industries and sectors classified as "priority" by the Government of Quebec. How can we help these industries or companies that need to supply these sectors? Their plans are underway. All employees and stakeholders are actively involved in the development and implementation.

The "Gretzky Mindset" is in the image of the greatest field hockey player in history. Wayne Gretzky had two great qualities: 1) Skating where the puck would go and 2) Prioritizing the audience. He accumulated 2.857 career points. But the most impressive thing is that he did it by scoring 2x as many points in assists as he did in goals. Gretzky was known for his immense talent and vision of the game.

Where will the opportunities be in 6 to 12 months? Which industries will recover faster? How will global consumption change? Which sectors will be fueled in the post-Covid period? Let's think about the environment, renewable energy, e-learning, e-commerce, and so on. However, we will have to do it together. "Prioritizing assistance" means HELPING first. It means being in touch with our communities, listening, exchanging and gradually building a center of gravity of ideas and trends that will form the core of opportunities from which we can climb up this cliff.

Hugo Boutet is an Entrepreneur, Business Coach, Strategist & Workshop Leader who specializes in supercharging growth in companies & empowering high-performance teams. He spent 19+ years' building his own technology company before finding his passion (again). Connect with him on LinkedIn here.