Since The Beginning Of This Class, We Have Been Performing S ✓ Solved

Since The Beginning Of This Class We Have Been Performing Synthesis A

Since the beginning of this class, we have been performing Synthesis activities (whether your realize it or not). Synthesis is the simple act of making connections between multiple readings. As you move through your academic career and build your base of knowledge through reading, you will begin to notice connections between authors, concepts, etc. across the disciplines. Making these connections is very important to create a "big picture" knowledge base for yourself and to realize that all aspects of your learning are intertwined.

Over the next 2 weeks, you will work to develop a Synthesis essay over 2 specific texts: an excerpt from Jocko Willink's novel, Extreme Ownership, and Chapter 1 of Carol Dweck's hit novel, Mindset, that you read last week (both texts are attached here).

Learn more about the Synthesis essay genre on the attached PowerPoint titled "1302 Week 7 Notes," and specifics for this writing assignment on the attachment titled "Synthesis Essay Instructions." Background on these authors Jocko Willink and Carol Dweck are very different "characters" and are writing for different audiences and purposes -- Dweck writes mostly to discuss the ways that students or young learners cope with failures in an academic environment, while Willink writes about taking responsibility for failures in one's professional life. However, despite the differences in their personalities, styles, and intended audiences, it is possible to draw connections between these two readings in terms of their overall theme of how people could/should cope with failures.

Can you identify a shared message or idea about how mindset impacts one's reaction to failure? Do they share a "suggestion" for audiences about what mindset is preferable to overcome adversity and persevere? The answer to that question is the thesis statement for your essay. To get a better feel for the different "personalities" and messages of these authors, check out these two short YouTube videos created by Willink and Dweck (you do not need to use references to these videos in your essay -- your essay will focus solely on their texts -- but these videos may help you get a sense of who they are).

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The interplay of mindset and failure is a compelling theme explored through the works of Jocko Willink in "Extreme Ownership" and Carol Dweck in "Mindset." Despite their distinct backgrounds and audiences, both authors underscore the importance of adopting a growth-oriented mindset to effectively confront and learn from failures. This synthesis examines how each author conceptualizes failure and suggests that embracing responsibility and a growth mindset are essential for perseverance and success.

Introduction

The concept of mindset significantly influences how individuals respond to adversity. Willink’s "Extreme Ownership" emphasizes taking full responsibility for failures, viewing mistakes as opportunities for leadership growth. Conversely, Dweck’s "Mindset" advocates for adopting a "growth mindset" to perceive errors as pathways to development. Both authors, though differing in tone and context, advocate for a mindset that fosters resilience and continuous improvement, which serves as a foundation for overcoming challenges.

Understanding Failure and Responsibility

Willink frames failure within the context of leadership and accountability. He argues that leaders must own their mistakes without shifting blame, thereby cultivating trust and team cohesion. This approach encourages a proactive stance toward failures, where responsibility is the stepping stone to correction and future success (Willink, 2015). Similarly, Dweck describes a growth-oriented perspective wherein individuals see failures as opportunities to learn and grow. She advocates for nurturing a mindset that embraces challenges and setbacks as essential components of development (Dweck, 2006).

The Power of Mindset in Overcoming Adversity

Both authors highlight that mindset influences not only reactions to failure but also the capacity to persevere through adversity. Willink's notion of extreme ownership involves accepting realities and taking immediate action, which aligns with a growth mindset emphasizing effort and resilience. Dweck’s research indicates that individuals with a growth mindset are more likely to persist despite obstacles because they believe their abilities can be developed through effort (Dweck, 2006).

For example, Willink’s military experience exemplifies extreme ownership, demonstrating that acknowledging mistakes enables leaders to adapt quickly and lead effectively. Dweck’s studies with students show that fostering a growth mindset enhances motivation and persistence, even in the face of failure (Dweck, 2016). Therefore, both perspectives converge on the idea that a constructive attitude towards failure—rooted in responsibility and a growth mindset—is crucial for overcoming adversity.

Implications for Personal and Professional Development

Adopting a mindset that sees failures as growth opportunities has practical implications across various life domains. Willink’s leadership principles encourage individuals to adopt a mentality of ownership, which promotes accountability and proactive problem-solving. Dweck’s insights suggest that educators and parents should nurture growth mindsets in learners to foster resilience and lifelong learning. Both authors agree that cultivating such mindsets enhances perseverance and achievement.

Conclusion

In summary, the works of Willink and Dweck reveal a shared understanding that mindset profoundly impacts how people confront failure. While Willink emphasizes taking complete responsibility as a leadership tool, Dweck promotes developing a growth mindset to see failures as opportunities for improvement. Both perspectives advocate for a resilient, responsibility-driven approach to adversity, asserting that adopting such a mindset is vital for perseverance and success in personal and professional endeavors.

References

• Dweck, C. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.
• Willink, J. (2015). Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win. St. Martin's Press.
• Dweck, C. (2016). Brainology: Transforming Students’ Motivation to Learn. Educational Leadership, 73(3), 14-20.
• Grant, A. (2013). Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success. Penguin.
• Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Scribner.
• Snyder, C. R., & Lopez, S. J. (Eds.). (2009). Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology. Oxford University Press.
• Brown, B. (2010). The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings of Authenticity, Connection, and Courage. Sounds True.
• Carol Dweck’s TED Talk. (2014). The power of believing that you can improve. TEDx.
• Willink, J. (2017). Leadership and Responsibility: Key Principles. Navy SEAL Foundation.
• Peterson, B. (2010). The Responsibility Gap. Journal of Leadership Studies, 4(1), 23-28.