In 2017 a colleague of mine, Matthew Brown, and three other adventurers set a Guinness World Record by completing a 3,000-mile, unassisted ocean race – the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Rowing Challenge – in 35 days. Under the best of circumstances, this would be a stunning accomplishment. But right out of the gate, Matt found himself paralyzingly seasick, forced to go without food or water the first few days. Despite this brutal setback, he completed all of his two-hour rowing shifts, 6 times each day.
What allowed Matt to persist when two sailors the previous year had abandoned the race midstream due to seasickness? In his worst moments, Matt says, he kept telling himself, “You can do this…. one more stroke, one more session.” His special strength was mental determination and stamina, unyielding courage in the face of adversity – yes, sheer grit. Today, this is a topic of his keynote speaking business, called Distance Made Good.
Features of true grit
What do we know about people who display this valuable trait? In one study, researchers found that they are more willing to risk failing to complete a task. Rather than quitting, grittier people exert more effort and persist longer when they are losing in a game, for example, even if they incur costs by continuing. By contrast, less gritty folks tend to change direction to cut their losses.1
But what accounts for the difference between these two types of people? There’s some evidence that the emotional expectations and reactions of grittier people are more positive. It’s unclear which comes first in this particular chicken-and-egg scenario – grit or positive emotions.1 However, the example of yet another seafaring adventurer may provide clues.
When Steven Callahan’s ship capsized during a solo voyage in 1981, he was adrift in an inflatable raft for 76 days before being spotted by a fishing boat. To keep “despair at bay without distorting his map of reality,” Callahan purposely promoted more positive emotions such as by counting his blessings, reminding himself he was doing the best he could, and writing a survival guide – an act of service, and possibly a parting gift, for future sailors.2
A predictor of long-term success
Although often underappreciated, grit is essential for effective leadership. Leading through a pandemic calls for grit. Adapting to rapid change and uncertainty calls for grit. In some sense, simply living calls for a certain amount of grit – especially now.
Research by Angela Duckworth indicates that grit predicts success better than IQ or leadership potential. For example, rather than athletic ability or test scores, grit is the best indicator of which West Point cadets will complete training.3
Duckworth defines grit as “passion and perseverance for long-term goals.” Often thought of as one facet of conscientiousness, grit predicts achievement of long-term goals, such as sticking with a relationship, graduating from school, or keeping a job.1 In fact, one of the key elements of grit is to have clear, meaningful goals. Deep commitment to your ultimate goal helps provide the courage and firmness of mind to forge ahead when the going gets tough. Commitment to the goal and your team is key.
How to lead with grit
As with so many traits, grittiness is a quality you can foster. Here are just a few tips to help you do better at flexing your “grit muscles.”
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” T.S. Eliot
Lead well!
Renee
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