The power of 'yet': cultivating a growth mindset in British agriculture

In the always changing world of farming and food production, change and challenges are inevitable. From shifting consumer attitudes to the impact of climate change, the industry must constantly adapt, and the way businesses approach problems can make all the difference. One small but powerful word - "yet" - can psychologically transform setbacks into opportunities and pave the way for innovation, resilience and long-term success.

‘Yet’ is powerful because it signals possibility and progress. It shifts the focus from what is currently unattainable to what can be achieved with the right strategies and persistence. Embracing ‘yet’ also helps us to maintain a sense of optimism and motivation, especially crucial in an industry where external factors such as weather and policy feel out of our control.

In a 2014 Ted Talk about ‘the power of yet’, Dr Dweck explained how growth mindsets can also affect our views of failure and making errors. Long-running American children’s programme Sesame Street even featured the concept to remind its young viewers that when they make mistakes or get something wrong, they just don’t have the solution YET. 

This very much applies to adults and business leaders too. We should be encouraged to see learning as an ongoing process and foster environments where our teams feel safe to experiment, take calculated risks and learn from their mistakes. When businesses commit to continuous improvement, they open themselves up to new opportunities and competitive advantages.