In the quest to hone leadership capabilities, two indispensable mindsets emerge: cultivating true grit and recognizing the power of small wins. These mindsets not only enrich personal growth, but also elevate team performance, in alignment with the K-A-S-H framework, particularly Attitude and Habits.
Mindset #1: True Grit
Do you as a leader exhibit true grit? According to Robert Sutton in “Good Boss, Bad Boss,” gritty leaders are fueled by a conviction that with just a bit more effort or creativity, improvements are inevitable. These leaders foster resilience and tenacity within their teams, promoting progress without invoking unnecessary panic.
Echoing Albert Einstein’s words, “It’s not that I am so smart; it is just that I stay with my problems longer,” the essence of grit lies in perseverance and passion toward long-term goals. Angela Duckworth’s research from the University of Pennsylvania underscores grit as sustained effort and interest despite failures or obstacles.
Great bosses instill this mindset without discouragement, advocating continuous learning and relentless pursuit of excellence. They effectively balance a sense of urgency with patience, knowing when to press forward or be adaptable.
Reflective Questions for True Grit:
- Do you approach work as a marathon, leaving room for persistence?
- Are you seeking quick fixes, or fostering a genuine sense of urgency?
- Do you persist through failures, or do you surrender when faced with setbacks?
Mindset #2: Small Wins Count
While ambitious goals can be motivating, they also risk overwhelming teams. In executive coaching, we often emphasize the importance of breaking down goals into small, manageable steps. This approach helps individuals understand their role’s significance and fosters sustained motivation.
Celebrating small wins encourages better decision-making and stress management. By deconstructing complex problems, leaders provide clarity and instill a sense of calm, enhancing overall confidence and competence among their team.
Reflective Questions for Small Wins:
- Are tasks framed as a series of achievable, clear steps?
- Do you set grand goals without breaking them into smaller, digestible actions?
The incorporation of these mindsets – true grit and small wins – transforms leadership, creating an environment where perseverance and progress are continually celebrated. Reflecting on these attitudes can yield substantial growth for you and your organization.
Creator of the KASHBOX: Knowledge, Attitude, Skills, Habits
Helping You Realize Your Potential
I help people discover their potential, expand and develop the skills and attitudes necessary to achieve a higher degree of personal and professional success and create a plan that enables them to balance the profit motives of their business with the personal motives of their lives.
