Grit

Angela Duckworth

Overview: In her work amongst the grittiest professionals, Angela Duckworth, recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship award, had something to prove. Growing up, her scientist father would taunt her intelligence, often claiming she would never be a genius. Duckworth exposes her philosophy of “Grit” through various paragons of those she feels exude the grit components: passion and perseverance. Her journey begins with an inside look into West Point’s “Beast Week”, applying her Grit Scale to determine who will be successful, and who will be unsuccessful. Grit, is more than talent, IQ, or any of the other determining factors most individuals associate with success. Grit can be found in the professional football player, a contestant in the National Spelling Bee, a parent, teacher, editor, leader, and more. Do you have Grit?

• In Chapter 1, Duckworth introduces her “never give up” attitude as Grit. What do you think makes the leaders at the top of your field special? Why are they so dogged in their pursuits of achievement? Is it talent, or is it perseverance?
• In Chapter 2, Duckworth highlights the Enron story, and writes of their “rank-and-yank” practice – yank is defined as being weak in relation to others. This practice is similar to the Air Force “rack-and-stack”. Does this practice contribute to a work environment that rewards deception and discourages integrity? If so, how? If not, explain.
• In Chapter 3, Duckworth categorizes talent originating from one’s natural ability, or it originates by being a “striver”. Which of these describes you best? What parts of leadership are from natural talent or striving?
• In Chapter 4, Duckworth introduces two components of grit: passion and perseverance; which are explained in her Grit Scale. Why do most people’s scores indicate higher perseverance scores than passion?
• In Chapter 5, Duckworth describes the maturity principle in relation to grit. Grit can change as a function of the cultural era in which we grow up, or grit can increase as one ages. Where in your organization have you seen grit change? Is it a result of culture or age?
• In Chapter 6, Duckworth introduces another component of grit, interest. People perform better at work when what they do interests them. What is the relationship between passion and interest? How can one instill interest in their employees to further increase their passion for what they do?
• In Chapter 7, Duckworth discusses a different perspective on practice as it relates to grit. Practice is something experts use to work on their stretch goal, allowing them to zero in on one narrow aspect of their overall performance. In what areas of your leadership can you practice to reach your stretch goal?
• In Chapter 8, Duckworth introduces purpose to her grit study. When thinking about challenges you have had, Duckworth claims that overcoming these, and the goals you achieved were connected to the benefit of other people. Where have other people benefitted in the midst of the challenges, or goals you achieved?
• In Chapter 9, Duckworth recommends teaching yourself hope by using the following
  Growth-mindset⇒optimistic self-talk⇒perseverance over adversity
  Taking each step above, what can you do to boost each one?
• In Chapter 10, Duckworth provides a continuum grid to determine parenting with grit. Reflecting on your own childhood where would you place your parents? If applicable, based on the provided assessment, where would your child(ren) place your parenting on the continuum?
• In Chapter 11, Duckworth introduces the “Hard Thing Rule”: everyone has to do a hard thing, you can quit, but only when the season is over, and you can select your hard thing to do. How can you use this same rule in your organization to help develop others’ strengths and weaknesses?
• In the final Chapter, Duckworth discusses the in-group and becoming committed to that group. She goes on to say, “If you want to be grittier, find a gritty culture and join it. If you are a leader, and you want people in your organization to be grittier, create a gritty culture.” Using the principles of talent, skills, effort, purpose, hope, passion, and perseverance, what measures would you take to create a gritty organization?