The Grit Factor: Why some succeed and others don't.

After leaving a high-powered consulting job to teach seventh graders math in New York City public schools, Angela Duckworth became fascinated by why some students succeeded while others did not. This curiosity led her to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, where she dedicated herself to studying grit— a blend of passion and perseverance for long-term goals.

A pivotal moment in Duckworth's research occurred during her time as a teacher. She noticed that IQ wasn’t the only difference between her best and worst students. Some of her strongest performers didn't have the highest IQ scores. What they did have was grit. This realization led her to develop the "Grit Scale" and conduct extensive research showing that grit, more than talent, is the critical predictor of success. This epiphany motivated her to delve deeper into the psychology of success, transforming her initial observations into a groundbreaking work that has influenced educational practices and beyond.

In her TED Talk, "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance," Angela Duckworth shares her insights on what truly drives success. Drawing from her experiences as a teacher and researcher, she explains how grit—a combination of passion and perseverance—trumps talent in achieving long-term goals.

Summary of TED Talk

1. Defining Grit: Duckworth introduces grit as a key predictor of success, emphasizing that passion and perseverance are more critical than talent.
2. Research Findings: She shares findings from her research, highlighting that grittier individuals are more likely to achieve their goals, regardless of their initial talent levels.
3. Educational Implications: Duckworth discusses how understanding grit can transform educational practices, helping students to develop resilience and a growth mindset.
4. Practical Applications: She provides practical advice on fostering grit, including maintaining long-term focus, practicing consistently, and staying passionate about one’s interests.
5. Personal Anecdotes: Duckworth’s personal stories and observations bring her research to life, illustrating how grit has shaped the lives of various successful individuals.

Three questions for leaders:

1. How can you, as a leader, cultivate grit collectively for your team,
2. What role does failure play in building grit, and how can we reframe it as a positive experience?
3. In what ways can understanding the concept of grit change your approach toward your team's personal and professional development?

Watch the TED Talk