With all this talk of grit, do we really understand what it is, and just how important it is? I think a lot of people like the word grit because it has a positive, kind of cool connotation to it. But could grit alone be damaging?
Angela Duckworth defines grit as passion and perseverance, and she’s shown us how important it is to help students develop grit, rather than just focusing on IQ scores and memorizing data. Other definitions of grit - courage and resolve; strength of character; mental toughness.
While I believe in developing grit - I think we have to be careful not to develop it in lieu of other very important characteristics to succeed in life. Grit is not the be all end all.
Just think about someone with grit but no compassion for others. Or someone with grit but no trust and faith in people. Or someone with grit but no ability to communicate effectively. Or someone who is so rigid and goal oriented they cannot be flexible and handle change well. I think you get the picture.
So while having grit is important to our success as children in school, and later as adults, having grit alone isn’t enough. That’s why I coined the term GRIT back around 2005 as a way to help people with a path to being happy and successful.
GRIT® stands for Generosity, Respect, Integrity and Truth. Working inversely and starting with the foundation of Truth, then Integrity and Respect, and resulting in Generosity - these four simple principles inspire people to step up, take ownership, create solutions, and make things happen. In a time when doing more with less is a resounding theme in organizations, the philosophy of GRIT® is designed to engage employees and transform the workplace into a productive and positive environment.
Check out this video and learn even more about GRIT - Generosity, Respect, Integrity and Truth! You might be surprised! (If you like the video, please show me some love on the Youtube station - I'm just getting started over there!)
PS - You can get a copy of Leading With GRIT at Amazon, in Kindle or hard-copy. and a Free GRIT online Assessment
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