Lead with GRIT®: A 6-Week Mini-Masterclass
- maryheiermann6
- Jul 24
- 4 min read

Discover what it means to lead with true GRIT®—Generosity, Respect, Integrity, and Truth—in this punchy, practical, and energizing 6-week series built for modern leaders who want to lead with heart, strength, and authenticity.
Note: This 6-week GRIT® series originally ran as part of an exclusive email mini-masterclass for our Daily GRIT Bits subscribers. Get on the list and get the free workbook.
WEEK 1: Lead with GRIT® – Redefining Toughness
Leadership isn't about grinding harder. It’s about pairing resilience with empathy, drive with awareness. GRIT® reframes toughness as strength with soul.
Grit Alone Is Letting Leaders Down
Old-school toughness gets things done—but often burns people out. True leadership pairs perseverance with presence, empathy, and awareness. GRIT® combines:
Generosity: A give-first mindset
Respect: Earned, not demanded
Integrity: Doing right—even unseen
Truth: Knowing yourself to lead authentically
Less Control, More Connection
Leadership isn’t bossing to-do lists—it’s inspiring people. Shift from control to connection by listening, empowering, and fostering growth.
The GRIT® Paradox: Strength That Connects
GRIT® blends fierce courage with kind character. It’s about authenticity, not invincibility.
GRIT® Is the New Tough
Strong leaders lead quietly—aligning values, uplifting others, and staying steady under pressure. That’s toughness with soul.
Key Takeaway: Old-school grit leaves people burned out. GRIT® brings empathy, presence, and purpose to the forefront of real leadership.
Make a Shift: Swap control for connection. This week, pick one meeting or conversation and focus on listening more than leading. Ask open questions, give space, and resist the urge to fix everything. Just connect.
WEEK 2: Truth – The Heart of Leadership
Everything starts with your Truth. When you're clear on who you are and what matters, you lead with purpose.
Truth Comes First: Know your values and lead from them.
Clarity Over Control: Truth-centered leaders make better decisions.
Stop Painting the Targets After You Shoot: Define your 'why' before chaos hits.
Self-Awareness = Self-Leadership: Reflection leads to intention.
Key Takeaway: Clarity about who you are and why you lead creates unstoppable focus and authentic influence.
Make a Shift: Do a 10-minute “truth audit.” Ask yourself: What do I value most? Why do I lead? What’s one way I’m out of alignment with that? Write it down—and decide how to course-correct this week.
WEEK 3: Integrity – The Strength to Stay Aligned
Integrity is truth in action. It’s your leadership anchor when things get messy.
Say What You’ll Do. Then Do It.: Consistency builds trust.
It’s Not Always Easy—It’s Right: Tough choices earn respect.
Own It, Don’t Spin It: Mistakes are fine. Dodging them isn’t.
Integrity Anchors Your Leadership: Stay grounded under pressure.
Key Takeaway: Integrity is your leadership anchor—show up consistent and honest, especially when it’s tough.
Make a Shift: This week, pick one small promise you’ve made to your team or yourself—and keep it. No delays, no excuses. Then, notice how it builds trust (even if no one says a word).
WEEK 4: Respect – Leading with Humanity
Respect transforms leadership from a position into a relationship.
Respect Is More Than Politeness: Value others and show it.
Self-Respect Sets the Tone: Model what you expect.
Respect Is Adaptive: Meet people where they are.
Ask More, Tell Less: Empower, don’t micromanage.
Key Takeaway: Respect turns leadership from a role into a relationship. Earn it by valuing others and meeting them where they are.
Make a Shift: Spotlight someone on your team this week. Give specific, authentic praise publicly or privately. Let them know you see them—and why they matter.
WEEK 5: Generosity – Lead by Giving, Not Taking
Generosity flows from alignment and fuels loyalty.
Generosity Builds Trust: Invest in people, not just outcomes.
Make Space for Others to Shine: Share the spotlight.
Give Without Losing Yourself: Generosity should energize, not drain.
People Feel It When You Care: Authentic energy inspires.
Key Takeaway: Generosity fuels trust and loyalty—lead by giving your time, energy, and belief to lift others up without losing yourself.
Make a Shift: Ask someone on your team this week: “How can I support you?” Whether it’s with time, encouragement, or removing a blocker—act on it. Give from alignment, not obligation.
WEEK 6: GRIT® in Action – Lead Intentionally
GRIT® isn't just a concept—it's a way of leading and living with purpose and positive impact.
Start with Truth to Get Aligned: Know yourself and lead from purpose—clarity fuels confident decisions.
Act with Integrity to Build Trust: Walk your talk consistently, especially when it’s hard.
Show Respect to Inspire Loyalty: Value people genuinely and earn their commitment.
Lead Generously to Leave a Legacy: Give authentically and empower others to rise with you.
Key Takeaway: GRIT® in action turns intention into impact—when you lead from your values, you don’t just make progress, you make a difference.
Make a Shift: Choose one of the GRIT® pillars where you feel strongest—and one where you’re struggling. Create a micro-goal this week to stretch the weaker one, like setting a boundary (Integrity) or asking for feedback (Respect).
When you lead with GRIT®, you don’t just manage—you motivate. Truth brings clarity, Integrity builds trust, Respect earns loyalty, and Generosity creates lasting impact. This is leadership that truly matters. Tired of grinding harder but going nowhere? Leading smarter, deeper, and more authentically is the GRIT® method to unlock your full leadership potential.
Grab the book to dive deeper, reflect further, and lead with GRIT®!
💥 Want More Like This?
This 6-week GRIT® series originally ran as part of an exclusive email mini-masterclass for leaders looking to ditch burnout and lead with purpose. Want to go deeper with fresh, actionable leadership insights delivered straight to your inbox? Get on the list and don’t miss the next series!
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