Think Like a Leader
A person only really becomes a leader after persevering, bringing determination to something that is their passion. Often perseverance is described as ‘grit’ and in this newsletter we will be using the words interchangeably. Perseverance is at the core of leadership.
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Feel Like a Leader
We often feel determination rising in us when faced with challenges and obstacles. There will be many contra-emotions at work too though – we might feel like giving up, not knowing if we have the capacity or ability to carry on. But it is at the times when we decide to carry on that we demonstrate grit.
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Act Like a Leader
Perseverance is shown over time and best seen against adversity. It is never a one-off act. Leaders plan – and persevere with their plans. Along the way they will meet many challenges. Moving on through these is the mark of the gritty leader.
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How to Get More Grit in Your Life
Freakonomics is a hugely popular podcast covering an encyclopedic range of topics. This episode introduces the work of Angela Duckworth. I consider the podcast host, Stephen Dubner, to be one of the best interviewers in the business. This link also provides a full manuscript.
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Perseverance: The Most Powerful Leadership Trait
Coach Nancy from Proffitt Management Solutions has written this article, quoting Angela Duckworth whose book is featured in The Long Read.
"Leaders achieve success through their talent, intelligence, flexibility and wisdom. Those who overcome the odds often point to an even more powerful trait: perseverance.
And it’s no wonder: the rigours of today’s competitive business climate push even the most seasoned leaders to their limits. No organisation is immune to setbacks.
Many top business leaders agree that life is a constant string of adversities - the new normal. Some, however, are ill-suited for it and pay a dear price.
When I speak with today’s top leaders on this subject, many share their conviction that perseverance is the key to winning the race. It’s more important than skill and more vital than past experience.
But what about leaders who lack the necessary stamina? What happens to those who don’t know how they’re going to manage, day in and day out, under the heaviest of loads? Are they simply destined to fail in a cruel world?
The answer is no, according to Dr. Angela Duckworth, author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (Scribner, 2016). Perseverance can be developed from within. If you’re a leader who’s gained a foothold on stamina, you can forge a culture with it.
More than simply trying hard, perseverance is a gut-generated determination to not give in and never give up. It comes from a spirit that refuses to accept the failure of quitting. A leader who perseveres stands ready to endure for the long haul.
Successful accomplishers are always chasing something greater: goals that are difficult to achieve. They feel they have something to prove—to themselves and/or others. They have direction, know what they want and hate falling short of it.
Leaders with perseverance strive to excel. As Duckworth puts it, perseverance is a satisfaction with being unsatisfied. Dogged leaders continually measure how far they’re willing to push themselves and how much they want to win."
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There is no shortage of online videos on the topic of leadership and perseverance – an indication of how central the topic is to leadership success. This video continues to look at Angela Duckworth’s work on ‘Grit’. Here she presents a TED talk on the topic. “Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina.”
One of the challenges described in this presentation is the fact that we know little about how to develop or foster grit. What does that mean for you?
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A first for the newsletter! Not a picture of a Scottish place but rather a look at the Scottish based Grit Orchestra.
The Grit Orchestra first came together to open Celtic Connections in 2015, marking ten years since Martyn Bennett passed away at the age of 33. The legendary musician had produced the album Grit - the last studio album by the Scottish Celtic fusion artist. It was released in October 2003.
The album had been recorded while he was ill, and he was unable to play his instruments. Bennett brought together samples of unaccompanied traditional Scottish folk singers, his own bagpipe and fiddle playing, with electronic drumbeats.
Hear the Orchestra at Celtic Connections 2020
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The current expert on perseverance is clearly Angela Duckworth, so the long read has to be her seminal work on the topic which is now available in paperback.
Grit: Why passion and resilience are the secrets to success. This book builds on her earlier works and presentations. She concludes that 'talent' is not what makes humans more likely to succeed.
In fact it is a series of qualities she defines as 'grit' that set the successful apart. She underlines that while practice never makes perfect, deliberate practice does help you improve. Such practice requires and builds discipline, passion, perseverance – and grit.
Available from Wordery.
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Leadership Lessons from a 13-week-old baby
One Year On #37
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...without a little reflection, there is no Insight Added.
“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”
Christopher Reeve
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Lead well
Graham and Lesley
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This email is brought to you by The Leader (Scotland). It encourages leaders at any age or stage, in all sectors, to deliberately improve their leadership.
The Leader also provides confidential support, learning and development for leaders.
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