WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY THE TERM GRIT?

Our American cousins are fond of the term grit. Not grits – that traditional Southern US breakfast accompaniment that looks good but does not tempt the palate overmuch; but grit. In some contexts, it appears to mean the ability to overcome adversity. In others, it seems to refer to over-abundant stubbornness, or mental toughness. Perseverance, maybe. Single-minded even.

It has an adjectival form, usually linked to the noun performance. A gritty performance is one that pushes through obstacles. One that triumphs against the odds. Our word gutsy perhaps goes close to this meaning. Often it refers to a performance that did not result in a win.

For Forbes contributor Brent Gleeson, who writes on leadership and performance management, the American usage of grit in a leadership context denotes drive and determination, both of which are of the essence of grit, but are not exactly the same. Together, however, Gleeson says these qualities fuel the entrepreneurial spirit and form the foundation for sustained growth (in True Grit: 3 Simple Truths All Leaders Must Embrace, in Forbes, 13 Sep 24).

Gleeson distinguishes between drive and determination this way: Drive?is the inner force that propels entrepreneurs forward with passion, even when the odds seem insurmountable. Gleeson cites Hakki Akdeniz, an entrepreneur who rose from homelessness to owning successful ventures, who said, Drive is the relentless energy and enthusiasm that keep entrepreneurs going, even in the face of adversity.

By contrast, determination is the resolute commitment to pushing through setbacks and staying the course, no matter what the obstacles may be. Perhaps this is what Marcus Aurelius was referring to when he said the impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way. Citing Marcus Aurelius, Gleeson bids us not to worry, because he affirms that mental fortitude is a learned skill anyone can muster.

Ask any successful leader - especially founders and entrepreneurs - about the skill they value most, and you’ll receive a variety of answers, Gleeson asserts, yet, amidst the differing perspectives, there remains a common denominator:?drive and determination?form the backbone of leadership and entrepreneurial success. So, grit involves mental toughness, drive and determination.

?To these, a National Business Capital Survey found that approximately 38% of entrepreneurs add self-discipline as being crucial to their achievements. Gleeson claims this statistic underscores the critical importance of unwavering drive and determination when launching and sustaining a venture or building and leading teams in an established organisation. While it’s easy to get excited about a new project or rapid growth initiatives, Gleeson goes on, many falter when the journey becomes arduous. The true test of an effective leader or entrepreneur lies in the ability to rise each morning, regardless of how daunting the challenges may seem, and relentlessly pursue success. To lean into every adversity, every success, and every failure. To learn from them. And move forward. Every day.

Grit.

Gleeson seems to be arguing that grit is both a personal quality either nurtured within yourself (drive; determination; perseverance; self-discipline) and also a skill you can learn (mental toughness), and outlines three basic truths about grit:

Truth 1 - Navigating Uncertainty

Uncertainty is an inherent aspect of both leadership and entrepreneurship, Gleeson says, adding, markets evolve, consumer preferences shift, and unforeseen challenges arise. Yet, he affirms, it is the ability to navigate this uncertainty that separates thriving leaders from those who falter. Entrepreneurs driven by determination, for example, see uncertainty as part of the process and remain steadfast in their pursuits. The unknown does not deter those with a strong drive, Akdeniz pointed out. Instead, they embrace it as an opportunity for innovation and growth. For the Chinese, the Mandarin character for both of our words challenge and opportunity is the same.

Gleeson references Jim Taylor, who highlights what he calls?The Grind—the stage when the novelty of a growth strategy or venture fades, and the real challenges emerge. It is during this phase that many leaders or entrepreneurs give up, but the most successful persevere. Taylor writes The Grind is what separates successful businesspeople from the rest... truly motivated leaders and business-people reach The Grind and keep on going. For Gleeson, it is in this perseverance that drive and determination shine brightest, noting that these rare warriors – these successful entrepreneurs - actually find purpose and fulfilment in this phase due to their ability to maintain emotionally connected to their long-term vision. This is critical, says Gleeson, bluntly. Many have vision. Few have the grit to see their vision through to realisation.

Truth 2 - Inspiring and Leading Teams

Success often hinges on a team that shares the leader's passion and vision, Gleeson observes, and although it feels like it, leadership and entrepreneurship are rarely solitary endeavours. At least they shouldn’t be. I would never have achieved success without the incredible people who supported me along the way, reflects Akdeniz. Entrepreneurs and leaders who possess drive and determination not only inspire their teams but also lead them toward a common goal, Gleeson adds.

Research by Eva de Mol, Melissa Cardon, and Svetlana N. Khapova found that teams with similar levels of passion perform more effectively than those with varying degrees of commitment, Gleeson shares. Passionate teams "reported fewer negative emotions, worked with more focus, and engaged in participative decision-making," according to the researchers. For both leaders and entrepreneurs, surrounding themselves with driven and like-minded individuals is a critical factor in building high-performance teams. One of the most impactful leadership lessons I have learned is this, Gleeson reflects: Surround yourself with people that are not in the same place as you are today, but rather where you want to be in the future. And then learn as much as you possible can from them.

Truth 3 - Long-Term Vision and Commitment to Succeeding

While true grit is essential to launching a business or leading a high-performance team, this mindset also plays an indispensable role in sustaining long-term success, Gleeson avers, continuing, the ability to stay committed to a long-term vision, despite short-term challenges and setbacks, is what sets apart those who merely start businesses from those who build lasting legacies. Leaders and entrepreneurs who demonstrate unwavering commitment are more likely to see their long-term goals materialise. These qualities not only enable leaders to persist through adversity but also empower them to adapt, innovate, and thrive over time, Gleeson explains.

In the complex journey of entrepreneurship and organisational leadership, Gleeson concludes, many factors contribute to success—innovation, strategy, and market acumen, to name a few. Yet, drive and determination, perseverance, mental toughness, self-discipline – in one word, grit - remain the most critical and influential factors. These qualities, these attributes, enable leaders and entrepreneurs to confront uncertainty, inspire their teams, and remain committed to their vision, even when the road ahead appears daunting.

As you embark on your own leadership journey, Gleeson counsels, remember that while ideas and plans are necessary, it is your drive and determination – your mental toughness, perseverance and self-discipline - that will ultimately determine your success. These traits do not merely fuel the engine of leadership and entrepreneurship—they are its very essence.

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