The BOH Hire For Grit Toolkit

Introduction

This Bridge of Hope Careers Grit toolkit is designed to help hiring managers identify and recruit candidates with Grit, resilience, and the ability to improvise in challenging situations - key predictors of long-term success.

1? Understanding Grit & Why It Matters

Angela Duckworth’s Research on Grit

• TED Talk: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
• Summary of Angela Duckworth’s Work: Her research shows that Grit (a combination of passion and perseverance) predicts long-term success better than IQ, talent, or educational background.? People with Grit sustain effort over time despite obstacles.
• Key Findings From Research: Grit is a more reliable indicator of success than intelligence or skill. Gritty individuals are persistent, adaptable, and continue working toward their goals despite setbacks. People from disadvantaged backgrounds often develop organic Grit due to overcoming systemic barriers. See end of article for information on Angela Duckworths Grit research:

Grit Scale App

Take the Grit Scale Test to measure perseverance levels in candidates.

2? Grit-Based Interview Guide for Hiring Managers

Predictor of Success Interview Questions

This section provides behavioural interview questions designed to uncover a candidate’s Resilience, Emotional Intelligence, Adaptability, and Grit.

?? Sample Interview Questions & Scoring System:

1. Tell me about a time you faced a major setback.? How did you handle it? 5 points: Overcame a significant challenge with persistence, developed a solution, and demonstrated long-term learning. 3 points: Faced a challenge, showed effort but with limited adaptability. 1 point: Gave up or shifted responsibility to external factors.

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What’s the hardest challenge you’ve ever overcome?? What kept you going? 5 points: Clearly articulates a major challenge, maintained passion and perseverance, and achieved success. 3 points: Moderate challenge, some perseverance, but unclear long-term growth. 1 point: Minimal persistence, gave up quickly.

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Can you share an example of when you had to adapt quickly in an unpredictable situation? 5 points: Adapted successfully, learned from the experience, and implemented effective solutions. 3 points: Some adaptability but with hesitation. 1 point: Struggled or failed to adapt.

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Give an example of when you pushed through something difficult for an extended period.? What was the result? 5 points: Demonstrated endurance and commitment to achieving a goal despite challenges. 3 points: Some endurance but lacked consistent effort. 1 point: Quickly abandoned the effort

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How do you typically react when things don’t go as planned? 5 points: Maintains a positive attitude, problem-solves, and adjusts proactively. 3 points: Some ability to adjust but requires external motivation. 1 point: Becomes discouraged easily and struggles with change.

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What personal or professional experience do you believe has built your resilience the most? 5 points: Strong example of overcoming hardship and using it for growth. 3 points: Moderate example with some takeaways. 1 point: Struggles to articulate personal resilience.

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If you were put in an unfamiliar situation with little direction, how would you figure out what to do? 5 points: Confidently takes initiative, problem-solves, and seeks necessary resources. 3 points: Requires guidance but eventually figures things out. 1 point: Struggles with autonomy and decision-making.

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How to Evaluate Responses:

• Candidates scoring 30-35 points demonstrate high Grit and perseverance.
• Candidates scoring 20-29 points show moderate resilience but may need mentorship.
• Candidates scoring below 20 points may lack persistence and adaptability.

3? Hiring for Grit Cheat Sheet

Key Traits to Look For in Candidates

• Consistency of effort over time
• Passion for long-term goals
• Ability to recover from failure and learn from it
• Self-discipline and motivation to improve
• Creativity and adaptability in tough situations

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• Giving up easily when faced with adversity
• Focusing on short-term wins rather than long-term goals
• Lacking personal accountability for setbacks
• Avoiding challenges or unfamiliar situations

4? Additional Resources

Recommended Reading List

• Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance – Angela Duckworth
• The Resilience Factor – Karen Reivich & Andrew Shatté
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success – Carol S. Dweck
• Dare to Lead – Brené Brown

?? Podcasts on Grit & Resilience

• Unabridged Interview: Angela Duckworth
• Adam Grant: The Psychology of Resilience

Research & Case Studies

• Case Study 1: Grit & First Destination Careers: A Qualitative Multiple Case Study
• Case Study 2: The Link Between Resilience and Leadership Success

5? Implementing Grit-Based Hiring

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Embed Grit-Based Questions into every interview process.
2. Train Hiring Managers to recognise the key indicators of Grit.
3. Use the Grit Scale Test to assess candidates’ perseverance levels.
4. Measure Success by tracking long-term performance and retention rates.
5. Communicate the Shift – Reposition hiring strategy to focus on potential and perseverance over traditional credentials.

Why Grit-Based Hiring is Fully Inclusive

• Removes biases linked to traditional hiring (e.g., education level, elite work experience).
• Encourages diversity by prioritising candidates who have succeeded despite systemic challenges.
• Includes white men who may have high Grit but were previously excluded by EDI frameworks.

6?? How to Receive the Toolkit

Upon completion of the Hire for Grit training, delegates will receive:

• A downloadable PDF of the full toolkit.
• Links to all resources and tools.
• Exclusive hiring insights from industry experts.

Hiring for Grit is the Future - This Toolkit Ensures You Lead the Charge.

The Research:

Angela Duckworth's book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance explores the concept of grit as a key predictor of success. Duckworth defines grit as a combination of passion and perseverance, arguing that talent and intelligence alone are not sufficient for long-term achievement. Instead, she suggests that those who persist through challenges and remain committed to their goals ultimately outperform those who rely solely on natural ability or formal qualifications.

Key Tests Conducted by Duckworth

Duckworth conducted multiple studies comparing groups with high grit scores to those with high qualifications, intelligence, or other traditional markers of success. Her research demonstrated that grit was a better predictor of success across different domains. Here are some of the most significant experiments:

1. West Point Military Academy Study Duckworth developed the Grit Scale, a questionnaire measuring passion and perseverance. She tested cadets entering West Point against traditional predictors such as SAT scores, high school rank, and leadership potential. Results: The cadets with the highest grit scores were more likely to survive the grueling “Beast Barracks” training, while those with the best qualifications but lower grit scores were more likely to drop out.
2. National Spelling Bee Study Duckworth assessed young competitors using the Grit Scale. She found that grittier students outperformed their peers, not because they were inherently smarter but because they studied more consistently and practiced longer.
3. Sales Professionals Study Duckworth studied salespeople in a high-turnover industry where qualifications like experience and intelligence were traditionally valued. She found that employees with higher grit scores outperformed those with better resumes because they persisted through early failures and did not give up easily.
4. Chicago Public Schools Study She examined high school students, comparing their Grit Scale scores with academic achievement and graduation rates. Grittier students were more likely to graduate, even when their initial grades or standardized test scores were lower.

How the Grit Group Won in Every Case

In each study, individuals with high grit consistently outperformed those with high qualifications. The reasons why the grit group won in all cases include:

• Sustained Effort Over Time: Unlike intelligence or talent, grit reflects a long-term commitment. Gritty individuals keep pushing forward even when they face obstacles.
• Resilience in Adversity: While those with qualifications may rely on talent, they sometimes struggle when faced with challenges. The gritty group, on the other hand, sees failure as a learning opportunity and continues working.
• Deliberate Practice: Duckworth found that grittier individuals spend more time improving their skills through focused, consistent practice, leading to better results over time.
• Emotional Strength and Passion: The grittiest individuals are not only hardworking but also deeply passionate about their long-term goals, keeping them motivated through difficulties.

Duckworth's research ultimately shows that grit, rather than intelligence or formal qualifications, is the most reliable predictor of success. Her work challenges traditional ideas about talent and suggests that perseverance and passion are more critical for long-term achievement.

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