Business

The Fixed Mindset vs. The Growth Mindset

Published

4 years ago

October 7, 2020

Sales is a tricky business to succeed at; anyone in the industry will tell you that the idea behind sales is much more difficult in execution than you might initially think. Being successful can be achieved, but these days there are so many different ways to be successful that it’s challenging to pick one road that works the best. Brandon Harris, the Sales VP at Otter PR, has a wealth of experience in sales and has pinpointed a major limiting factor for many sales groups. He’s seen both sides of this debate’s effects with multiple companies and has since been trying to educate the sales community on this very subject.

The Fixed Mindset versus the Growth Mindset is a rather interesting choice to make as both sides have their pros and cons; however, statistical evidence suggests the idea that one might perhaps more often yield results over the other. Before we discuss that, first, each mindset must be laid out and explained.

THE FIXED MINDSET

The Fixed Mindset is a more precise and secure state of mind and practice in sales. Often, this approach focuses heavily on what works rather than merely improving. It could be argued that it doesn’t tend to heavily involve the more personal influence of sales and the value of individual strengths and weaknesses. Fixed Mindsets tend to look at cold hard facts without considering the margin of error for these facts. More often than not, you’ll see examples of leaders in a Fixed Mindset being heavily focused on having a secondary education but perhaps less work experience.

In addition, the Fixed Mindset tends to have less belief & efficacy of their employees. There needs to be a detailed set of requirements met by each individual for them to be considered qualified, and the Fixed Mindset follows them to a near tee. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the Fixed Mindset is a risk-averse approach to sales. There isn’t much venturing outside of the formulaic nature of how it operates and, as a result, tends to yield low-risk based results.

This is not to say there’s no value in the Fixed Mindset; the Fixed approach doesn’t tend to err on the side of risk-taking. Depending on the individual industry, this could be a good thing as risk-reward analysis can be an invaluable tool for a sales group if the market is right for it. However, the fact remains that Fixed Mindset is a far more rigid approach to sales that is more circumstantial in the way of success.

THE GROWTH MINDSET

The Growth Mindset is a more fluid approach to sales. The idea involves more risk-taking, but also more results-based decision-making. The belief that employees’ records show more of their capabilities than what they look like through the traditional ‘on paper’ lens. The Growth Mindset takes the time to teach the employees and future leaders instead of going out of business to seek new members to fill those roles.

It is a mindset heavy in the investment of existing company members rather than investing in new members who might not perform according to specifications. A growth mindset is frequently one that takes a more direct look at employees under the umbrella of the company and invests in those who have yielded the most results or show the most promise and teach them how to fill the roles they’re expected to occupy rather than leaving them at where they are already excelling.

This mindset has a far less rigid approach, focusing heavily on promoting and using resources to invest in their team. This grants employees more efficiency and empowerment to make the right decisions for the company and their department as a whole.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Harris believes that these two mindsets, while both yield some semblance of benefits, have a superior mix. He believes that the growth mindset is far more lucrative for the future of sales as it promotes a more genuine approach to sales and goes based on performance rather than what employees look like on paper. The risk-taking involved in Growth Mindset is also something that can be attributed to further success for companies who choose the Growth Mindset and take educated risks.

These decisions ultimately help the health of the company and the sales industry at large as they help set the precedent of the growth mindset as the norm. It creates a more lucrative business in terms of the revenue, and the health of the sales industry is evolving with the changing times. Whether it’s practiced effectively or not across the board, the future of sales is the growth mindset.

As leaders in the sales industry, it is your responsibility to ensure that these are things that are taken account of when in the process of moving forward with large decisions. These individual mindsets must be chosen carefully and with a great deal of thought beforehand, and if it is not done successfully it can be detrimental to the health of the company’s success.

Business

From Contracts to Counsel: Your Essential Guide to Hiring a Probate Attorney in Chicago

Published

2 weeks ago

March 31, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Like many people, you’ll come across the term probate after a loved one, such as a parent or spouse, passes away. So, what is probate, and why do you need an attorney for it? As defined in Forbes, probate is a legal process that occurs after death. It entails transferring the assets of the decedent (the person who passed) to beneficiaries named in their last will.

With that in mind, having a probate lawyer by your side is essential. The last thing you want to do is deal with the legal complexities of settling a loved one’s estate while grieving. A probate lawyer oversees the validation of the deceased’s will and the fair distribution of assets among family members. One challenge lies in finding a top-quality probate lawyer.

In this guide to hiring a probate attorney in Chicago, we’ll discuss the tips to identify the right legal professional for probate proceedings.

Understand the Responsibilities of a Probate Lawyer

It’s difficult to hire a talented probate lawyer when you don’t know what they do: Start by understanding the roles they play.

When you work with a Chicago probate lawyer, some tasks they might do include:

Act as an estate executor or administrator
Collect proceeds from the life insurance policies of the deceased
Identify and secure the decedent’s assets
Get an appraisal for the deceased’s estate
Pay debts and resolve estate tax issues
Prepare and file documents required in probate court
Transfer assets to rightful heirs
Represent you in litigation proceedings if someone challenges or contests the will

A probate lawyer could also help you and your family navigate state inheritance laws if a loved one dies without a valid will. That way, you can avoid unnecessary taxes or other ramifications of not creating a will, such as losing ownership rights of the deceased’s business or financial support.

Search for Lawyers Online and Offline

You’re probably thinking, where do I find the best lawyer to hire? You could seek referrals from friends or colleagues. Friends who worked with probate attorneys before might provide important details, such as how the lawyers communicate and handle the probate process.

Alternatively, do a simple online search using the terms “probate lawyer near me” or “probate attorney in Chicago.” Go through various websites or online directories and write names of lawyers with positive ratings and customer testimonials. Then, contact the potential lawyers to set up free consultations. Note that not all legal professionals offer free consultations, so make sure to ask before setting a time in your calendar.

Ask the Right Questions

A free consultation provides opportunities to ask questions to better understand if the lawyers in question have the qualifications to handle your probate case.

Four questions you might ask attorneys during the initial meeting may include:

Do You Have Experience in Probate Law?

When evaluating lawyers, prioritize experience. An experienced probate lawyer is aware of common pitfalls that can result in the probate petition being postponed or dropped by a judge. To feel more comfortable about an attorney’s expertise, ask them if they’ve handled probate cases similar to yours before.

For example, let’s say the deceased owned a substantial estate or had complicated assets like royalties and mineral stocks. Working with an attorney with a track record of successfully handling cases like that could save you time and money in the long run.

What Do Other Clients Say About You?

Experience alone doesn’t make a probate lawyer perfect for your case. Look for someone with an outstanding reputation. These reviews likely live on Google next to their business profile or are featured on their website. If you can’t find any endorsements, ask for testimonials written by past clients.

One point to focus on is what reviewers say about the lawyer’s efficiency and speed. Beyond that, does the lawyer offer expert guidance, conflict mitigation, and proper asset management during probate?

A probate attorney in Chicago, IL, should be an efficient expert in asset preservation. This can be crucial to helping avoid hefty taxes and excessive debt claims. Additionally, if the lawyer receives positive feedback on conflict mitigation, it suggests they have experience in resolving or mitigating family conflicts that tend to stall the probate process.

How Long Does Probate Last?

One way to test a probate lawyer’s knowledge is by asking them, “How long does probate last?” While the numbers vary, probate can last for a few months to over a year in many states, including Chicago. When highlighting factors that affect the duration of probate, your counsel might mention things like estate size, family disputes, debt and taxes, absence of a will, and state laws.

A knowledgeable lawyer can explain clearly why your probate case could last a few months or even years. A lawyer that makes too brazen or hard-set of promises might not be the most honest.

How Do You Want Us To Communicate?

There’s no hard rule on how you and your probate attorney communicate. You can talk via text messages, email, video calls, or phone calls. More importantly, check that the attorney communicates in simple language to help you understand your case.

In fact, one essential of a lawyer’s dos and don’ts to gaining clients’ trust is to avoid making clients feel clueless. If a potential lawyer uses complex legal terms or avoids communicating directly, search for probate services elsewhere.

Conclusion: Finding a Probate Attorney in Chicago

Reviewing the will of a loved one after their death and ensuring fair distribution of their assets often involves complex legal issues. For this reason, consider hiring an attorney who specializes in probate law.

To maximize your chances of finding the right probate lawyer, familiarize yourself with their responsibilities. Next, search online for lawyers within your state or ask for recommendations from people you trust. Then, interview prospects to help ensure they possess experience, a remarkable reputation, communication skills, and knowledge of probate law.

Settling the affairs of a loved one who has passed on can be an overwhelming time. A probate attorney can help lift some of the pressure off your shoulders as you focus on grieving and healing.