Why Grit Matters

I've been thinking a lot about Grit this week, in my book Grunt, Grit & Grace I describe Grit as 'the practice, the holding onto something even when it's hard, it's the process of repetition, resilience, getting back up and trying again.'

When we think of leadership, we often admire those who seem to have a natural gift—the charisma, the vision, the ability to inspire.

But here’s the truth: talent alone doesn’t make a great leader.What truly sets exceptional leaders apart is grit.

Grit is the relentless perseverance and resilience that drives leaders to push through challenges, learn from failures (and successes), and keep moving forward, even when the odds are against them.

The Myth of Talent

Talent is often celebrated as the key to success, but relying solely on talent can be a trap. It can lead to complacency and a lack of resilience when things get tough.

Talented individuals may shine when things are going well, but what happens when they face a significant challenge or failure?

Without grit, talent alone won’t be enough to see them through. In leadership, grit is what allows leaders to navigate the inevitable ups and downs. It’s what helps you stay focused on your goals, even when the path forward is unclear.

Grit is what keeps you going when others might give up.

The Role of Grit in Leadership

Grit is about more than just perseverance—it’s about having the resilience to bounce back from setbacks and the determination to keep striving for excellence, no matter how difficult the journey. In leadership, grit is what enables you to tackle complex problems, take risks, and lead your team through times of uncertainty.

I’ve seen the power of grit time and time again in my work with leaders. The most successful leaders aren’t always the ones who start out with the most talent, nor are they necessarily the most passionate or extroverted.

They’re the ones who have the grit to keep pushing forward, learning from every experience, and never giving up on their vision.

Grit in Action

Let me share a story that illustrates the power of grit.

During my time as a ballet dancer, I wasn’t always the most naturally talented in the room. But I was determined to succeed. I practiced tirelessly, pushing through the pain, the fatigue, and the moments of doubt.

It was grit that got me through, that helped me rise to the challenge and perform at my best. In leadership, grit is what helps you push through the tough times, whether it’s navigating a challenging project, dealing with a difficult team dynamic, or leading through a crisis.

Grit is what helps you stay committed to your goals, even when the going gets tough.

Cultivating Grit as a Leader

So, how can you cultivate grit as a leader? Here are a few ideas:

1. Embrace Challenges: Don’t shy away from difficult tasks or situations. Embrace them as opportunities to build your resilience and strengthen your grit.
2. Learn from Setbacks: When you encounter a setback, view it as a learning opportunity rather than a failure. Reflect on what went wrong, what you can do differently, and how you can grow from the experience.
3. Stay Committed: Grit is about staying committed to your goals, even when the journey is tough. Keep your eye on the prize and remind yourself why your work is important.
4. Develop a Growth Mindset: Cultivate a mindset that values effort, learning, and perseverance over natural talent. Believe that you can improve and grow through hard work and dedication.

In leadership, grit matters more than talent. It’s the quality that allows you to persevere through challenges, learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward with determination. So, the next time you’re faced with a tough situation, remember that it’s not your talent that will see you through—it’s your grit!

Ally Nitschke is a best-selling Author, an award-winning Thought Leader and highly sought Speaker. She has been working with leaders and as a Leader for over 20 years.

She is on a mission to change the way we communicate at work, to lean into those uncomfortable conversations and lead with courage.

Ally is a Keynote Speaker at conferences, she delivers Transformational Programs & highly engaging workshops as well as provides Executive Coaching.

In her spare time, she's mostly at the beach with her beautiful husband and 4 favourite tiny people.