Blog Posts

By Robin Westerik
As coaches, we often encounter individuals who struggle with the concept of iteration. They may be striving for that one perfect solution and therefore don’t consider how they can adapt and adjust along the way. But frankly, failure is often the first step and therefore having an iterative mindset is crucial for success. That's why it can be essential for coaches like us to help our clients develop this mindset.

So, how do we coach someone to have an iterative mindset? The first step is to help clients understand what iteration really means.   Iteration isn't about being sloppy or unprepared; rather, it's about embracing the unknown and being willing to learn from failure. It's about recognizing that there are no perfect solutions, only good-enough ones that can be improved upon over time. By reframing their thinking in this way, clients can begin to see iteration as a strength and a step in the right direction not a weakness or failure.

Another key aspect of coaching someone in developing an iterative mindset is helping them develop a growth-oriented mindset. This means learning to view challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement rather than threats or failures. We need to accept that it's okay to make mistakes – in fact, embracing and analyzing mistakes is often the best way to learn! Clients who are able to develop a growth or iterative mindset are more likely to take calculated risks, experiment with new approaches, and continuously improve their work.

To further reinforce an iterative mindset, clients may adopt a "good-enough" approach. This means focusing on making progress rather than striving for perfection. It’s important for us to understand that it's okay to release something into the world before it's 100% perfect – in fact, waiting too long can mean missing out on valuable opportunities and feedback. By embracing this mindset, our clients will be more likely to take action, iterate based on feedback, and continuously improve their work.

Ultimately, coaching someone to develop an iterative mindset requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to challenge our own assumptions about what "success" looks like. Indeed, coaching someone towards a growth or iterative mindset can require – you guessed it – an iterative mindset on the part of the coach. As we develop this kind of mindset, we can empower ourselves and our clients to be more adaptable, resilient, and innovative in their work. And that's something any coach would want for themselves and their clients!
Dr. Robin Westerik is the President of Madison Education group. She likes to learn new things and play outside.