Episode 109: THE QUALITIES OF A GOOD LEADER: GRIT AND RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

In hard times, good leadership is critically important. Surprisingly, studies show that brilliance alone does not usually make someone a good leader. Grit, hardiness, and a willingness to embrace challenges as opportunities are qualities which set apart good leaders from bad ones. How does someone develop grit? During a crisis, people can allow themselves to be paralyzed from feelings of panic and insecurity. Grit is the internal determination to move beyond paralysis, to make needed changes, and to look at any weaknesses that have been exposed and reevaluate. A useful image of a leader with grit is a drill sergeant. Peter shares his experience of Army basic training and his complex relationships with his drill sergeants. Ultimately, he came to realize that their harsh approach came from a place of caring concern. He needed to be prepared - and develop grit - for what was coming in Vietnam