The Necessity of Grit and Hardiness in Leading with Character

Abstract

There are a myriad of character traits and attributes that are necessary for leading with character and
resolve. All of which carry various benefits for the individual leader and have the potential to greatly
impact teams and organizations. With this array of necessary traits and characteristics, it can be difficult
to know what traits leaders should focus on understanding and developing as they build their leadership
skill-set. This article argues that grit (passion, perseverance, and consistent interest toward a long-term
goal) and hardiness (commitment, openness to challenge, and control) serve as quintessential traits
for leading with character and resolve. While distinct traits, grit and hardiness operate in a symbiotic
manner, which allows leaders to develop a strong sense of personal identity and promotes his or her
ability to lead with strength and resolve. In-turn, grit enables the leader to be keenly in-tune with the
organization’s mission, clearly depict the mission to the organizational members, and his or her hardy
nature provides the leader with the ability to positively propel organizational members through both
minor and more catastrophic obstacles as they collectively work toward the shared goals and ultimately
mission of the organization.