What Is Grit and Do You Have It?

Grit is an old term for a relatively new personality construct. It is a personality trait that suggests that someone possessing grit has perseverance and passion and will work hard to achieve long-term goals. It is related to other personality traits such as resilience and hardiness.

The concept of grit was popularized by Angela Duckworth and colleagues (2007), and research suggests that individuals who possess grit tend to be high achievers. It is related to motivation and academic success.

Yet, possessing a personality trait, such as grit, may not be enough. It also takes the development of skills to achieve long-term goals.

How does grit relate to leadership?

Successful leaders should have grit to keep them, and their team members, motivated and persevering toward attaining important goals and outcomes. So, for leaders, it’s not enough to just possess grit, they need to also develop the ability to inspire and motivate others.

Assessing Grit

Here are some statements that, if you agree strongly with them, suggest that you possess grit.

1. I have overcome setbacks to conquer an important challenge.

2. Setbacks don’t discourage me.

3. I am a hard worker.

4. I finish whatever I begin.

5. I have achieved a goal that took years of work.

6. I am diligent.

How to Leverage Grit as a Leader

Grit is strengthened when we have a passion for what we are doing. Connect your goals to some higher purpose, such as how leading people to this goal will benefit them or others. Practice! Grit is a bit like a muscle. Exercise it and it gets stronger. Surround yourself with gritty people — those who can push you and support you to achieve your goals.

Here are some additional things to consider.

• Get in the habit of setting goals and a timeframe to reach them. Set goals for both short-term and long-term goals. Allow some flexibility, but you should have a “drop dead” deadline – a time when you absolutely need to accomplish your goal.

• Organize your efforts and those of your team members to ensure that tasks are completed.

• Learn to delegate effectively to followers or team members, particularly relying on those who also have grit and are goal-oriented.

Ronald E. Riggio, Ph.D.