Grit, defined as perseverance and passion, is a better indicator of success than raw talent.
Effective mentorship tailored to the individual's skill development stage is vital for fostering grit.
Deep dives
The Concept of Grit: Perseverance and Passion for Long-Term Goals
Psychologist Angela Duckworth discusses the concept of grit, which she defines as having both perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Perseverance involves tenacity and hard work in the face of setbacks, while passion refers to a deep love and voluntary obsession for the work being done. Duckworth emphasizes that grit is a better indicator of success than just raw talent, as effort plays a crucial role in skill development and achievement. She also points out that sustaining passion and perseverance requires a sense of purpose and hope for the future.
Effective Mentorship and Grit Development
Duckworth highlights the importance of thoughtful and effective mentorship in developing grit. Mentors should not only provide support and encouragement but also tailor their mentoring style to the individual's stage of skill development. In the early years, when individuals are new to a field, they need praise and positive reinforcement to build confidence. As they progress, they require constructive feedback to further develop their skills. Duckworth suggests that organizations should educate mentors about the varying needs of mentees throughout their skill development journey to create a conducive environment for grit development.
Finding Purpose and Creating a Culture of Grit
Creating a sense of purpose and a culture of grit within organizations is crucial for fostering grit in employees. Duckworth emphasizes the importance of connecting employees to a higher purpose beyond their immediate job description, instilling a sense of making a positive impact on others' lives through their work. Establishing a culture that promotes grit requires selecting and developing gritty individuals who exemplify perseverance and passion. Organizations can also develop a culture book that explicitly states the values and expectations, emphasizing the importance of grit and its benefits.
Lessons from the Pandemic: Hope and Reevaluating Passion
Reflecting on the pandemic, Duckworth recognizes the challenges individuals have faced, including burnout even among those previously considered gritty. She notes that a lack of hope and a sense of uncertainty about the future can contribute to burnout. Duckworth suggests that maintaining hope and finding direction are crucial in the pursuit of long-term goals, and organizations should strive to provide a sense of hope for their employees' work. She also reevaluates her previous beliefs, acknowledging that passion may be a more challenging aspect of grit than perseverance, as individuals often grapple with finding a clear sense of purpose and direction in their lives.
How far can a person get on talent alone? Angela Duckworth is a researcher, teacher, MacArthur fellow and best-selling author who has dedicated her career to finding out what factors can lead a person to be successful. In her book “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance,” Duckworth draws from a mixture of firsthand experiences, interviews with high performers and academic research to make the case that a person’s ability to overcome setbacks may actually be their most valuable trait. Duckworth and host Cardiff Garcia discuss her personal relationship with the idea of genius, the benefits of mentorship and how life has changed since the publication of “Grit.”
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