Smart Grit

There’s one common denominator that I see in all sustainably successful leaders.? It’s something I call “smart grit” and something I personally hold as a core value.? Many of us have heard of the Old Testament narrative of David and Goliath.? This narrative tells the tale of the young David, a shepherd who defeated the giant warrior Goliath with a sling and a stone, illustrating the themes of faith, courage, and the triumph of the underdog.

The David and Goliath story is a classic example of smart grit in action. Goliath represents the seemingly insurmountable challenges and obstacles that life often throws at us. David, on the other hand, embodies the essence of smart grit – intelligence, determination, and resourcefulness.

Goliath's challenge in this biblical story was a direct challenge to the Israelites and their God. He was a Philistine champion and warrior who stood as a representative of the Philistine army. Goliath challenged the Israelites to send out a single champion to engage in one-on-one combat with him. His challenge was essentially a taunt, and he boasted that if the Israelite champion defeated him, the Philistines would become servants to the Israelites, but if he won, the Israelites would become servants to the Philistines.

Despite being only a teenager and considered too young and inexperienced to be a solider, David accepted Goliath’s challenge. In the Book of 1 Samuel, Chapter 17, Goliath is said to have been "six cubits and a span" in height.? "Six cubits and a span" tall would equate to approximately 9 feet, 9 inches (or around 3 meters) in modern measurements. Clearly this was not set up to be a fair hand to hand battle and meant to demoralize the Israelites.?

David used Goliath's seemingly insurmountable strength as an opportunity by recognizing that a direct confrontation on Goliath's terms would assure defeat. Instead, he employed a clever and unconventional strategy that leveraged Goliath's size and strength against him.? Instead of fighting on Goliath's terms, he chose to engage from a distance, using a sling to defeat the giant.

David's smart grit showcases the power of combining knowledge and perseverance. It's a reminder that, in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds, we can achieve remarkable success by thinking wisely, adapting to the situation, and using our strengths to our advantage. This story teaches us that even the most formidable challenges can be conquered with the right blend of intelligence, determination, and innovative thinking – the essence of smart grit

David’s formula was balanced and simple:

Assessment:? David assessed the situation and realized that Goliath's greatest advantage was his size and strength. Instead of trying to match him in a traditional hand-to-hand combat, David looked for a different approach to exploit vulnerabilities.

Know thyself:? David knew his own strengths, which included agility, accuracy, and the use of a sling. He also had unwavering determination and faith in his abilities.

Select the right tool:? David chose a sling as his weapon, a tool that allowed him to attack from a distance. This decision played to his advantage as it neutralized Goliath's physical strength and reach.

Accuracy: David's intelligence and skill with the sling allowed him to target a vulnerable spot-on Goliath's body (his unprotected forehead) with incredible accuracy. He recognized that even the mightiest opponents have weaknesses.

Timing:? David approached the battle with strategic timing, catching Goliath off guard. He made his move when the giant least expected it, which disrupted Goliath's expectations and battle rhythm.

Determination: David's unyielding belief in himself and his cause provided the mental fortitude needed to face an imposing opponent. His confidence was a crucial element of his success.

?By choosing an unconventional strategy that utilized his own strengths and Goliath's weaknesses, David transformed what appeared to be an insurmountable disadvantage into an opportunity for victory. This story serves as a timeless example of how intelligence, creativity, and determination can prevail over overwhelming odds.

?In an ever-evolving world, simply having grit OR intelligence is often not enough to achieve lasting success. It's the combination of the two – 'Smart Grit' – that truly creates an unbeatable force. Smart Grit is about merging the heart's relentless passion with the mind's sharp acumen. It's about harnessing the power of both to navigate the complexities of our modern challenges. The combination becomes an extremely valuable asset, setting individuals and organizations on a trajectory toward meaningful, lasting success.

- Shel