How Can I Use Grit in the Workplace?
Grit can be used to build stamina in the workplace. According to a Harvard Business Review article titled Organizational Grit, high achievers are reported to have high stamina. In the workplace, it is important to have a passion for what it is that you do so achieving high results would seem less intimidating. When high achievers are already at the top of their work, there is always that little something more that could be done. Obtaining this grit quality can be immensely beneficial to you, your work, your employer and if you are involved in a team project, it can be beneficial to your teammates as well! While we are on the topic of high achievers building stamina in a team, let us discuss grit in teamwork.
Grit is important for teamwork. A team that consists of individuals that possess the qualities of grit can be considered a gritty team. The qualities include:
- Hard workers
- The ability to learn and improve
- Obtaining a powerful sense of purpose and priorities
- Resilience
Gritty team members work together to achieve a specific goal. They usually recognize that more can be achieved as a team than working individually within the team. Gritty teams are organized. Everyone is on the same page. At work when working with coworkers but as a team, it is important that everyone is on the same page. It is vital that the entire team is aware of the end goal and are collectively working to achieve it. This can be done by meeting face-to-face (virtual is acceptable but face to face is more recommended) and discussing, reviewing, and setting new targets for the team. By meeting together, teams are easier to adapt to when everyone is familiar with each other. When everyone can potentially build trust with one another within the team, they can opt for a better chance to achieve what needs to be done. It is possible for a gritty team to run into challenges and setbacks, but it is important to not let those challenges overcome the purpose that team was brought together for. In a gritty team, all members should participate in growing to become better despite minor or major setbacks. When involved in a gritty team all should have an equal amount of commitment to effectively carry out tasks, efficiently all as one.
Grit in Workplace Leadership: Stamina
Grit aids in developing and cultivating leadership qualities in individuals. From developing a high achiever’s stamina to using that in a team of people who have those same qualities, leadership is next up your sleeve! In a workplace, leadership traits are incredibly beneficial to have, especially the ones listed above. Passion is a major personality trait to possess as a leader in a workplace. You must care about what you do and the environment in which you lead. Perseverance is a key trait to adopt as well. Remaining resilient, consistent, and focused is incredibly important. Being able to provide your organizational environment with a visible, authoritative figure is a way of keeping order and standards/ expectations high. As a leader, you want your people to achieve high results and not lose that fiery passion to continue, but a way of implementing this is through leading by example. You can show them what you want them to be. Establish consistency within the environment. Growth, passion, and perseverance can be effectively used in the workplace as a grit leader.
Grit in Workplace Leadership: Using Grit During the Hiring Process
Grit can be used in the workplace as a means to hire prospective team members. During the hiring process, hiring managers can determine the potential of prospective team members by understanding how much effort they are willing to put into their career and not just by pure talent. The presence of grit will overpower the talent written on a piece of paper because the interviewee will show you how willing they are to meet personal and professional goals, including the goals for your business such as sales requirements, and client interactions. Below is a clip from Angela Duckworth on Why Effort Matters More Than Talent.