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March 13.2025
3 Minutes Read

Choosing Strategic Grit: How Leaders Can Seize Opportunities

Placeholder image representing strategic grit concept.

Embracing Strategic Grit: A Lesson from Marta Norton's Journey

In a world where opportunities often pass us by, choosing to embrace hardship and strategic grit can define our paths. Marta Norton, Chief Investment Strategist at Empower, shares a profound lesson drawn from her high school soccer days—one that continues to shape her leadership philosophy. Reflecting on her choice to walk away from the sport she loved due to burnout, she recognizes now that the regret of missed opportunities is far more burdensome than the exhaustion of taking on new challenges.

Grit and Resilience: Definitions and Leadership

At the core of Norton's philosophy is the dual concept of grit and resilience. Grit, as defined by researcher Angela Duckworth, embodies the passion and perseverance for long-term goals. On the other hand, resilience involves bouncing back from setbacks. Both traits are essential for leaders navigating the complexities of today’s business environment. They enable executives not only to weather challenges but to inspire their teams to adopt a similar mindset of perseverance.

Insights from Experience: The Power of Choice

When Norton declined the role of Chief Investment Officer the first time it was offered, she didn’t allow the pressure of familial responsibilities or work demands to deter her from recognizing her potential. Her subsequent decision to accept the position stemmed from a desire to avoid regret—a sentiment that resonates deeply with many corporate leaders. The choice to say “yes” to new responsibilities can paradoxically lead to personal growth and fulfillment that outweigh the initial burnout.

Lessons in Leadership from Norton’s Philosophy

Norton emphasizes several critical aspects of effective leadership. First, leaders must take ownership of their work rather than offload challenging tasks to their teams. This demonstrates not only commitment but also fosters a sense of unity and trust within organizations. Furthermore, she highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in leadership meetings, advocating for inviting junior team members to contribute first. This practice can illuminate fresh ideas, fostering an inclusive and innovative culture.

Daily Progress Over Major Leaps: The Small Steps Approach

Success, as per Norton, isn’t about major breakthroughs but rather about consistent, small efforts. This ‘small steps’ philosophy mirrors the principles of Agile Leadership, where adaptability and continuous improvement drive results. Rather than undertaking massive initiatives that risk overwhelming teams, leaders are encouraged to nurture a culture of incremental progress, allowing employees to build momentum and confidence over time.

The Broader Impact of Strategic Grit in Leadership

The behaviors described by Norton echo broader organizational strategies supporting grit and resilience, as illustrated by research findings from Holly Adams Consulting. Successful leaders leverage thoughtful experimentation coupled with discipline to advance their companies. For leaders striving to foster a resilient workplace, integrating these practices can create a dynamic environment where teams are encouraged to push their boundaries while learning from both triumphs and setbacks.

Creating a Culture of Grit and Resilience

How can organizations cultivate this spirit? By embracing a growth mindset, setting meaningful objectives, nurturing resilience through support structures, and prioritizing well-being, companies can develop a culture that encourages grit. Recognizing efforts—both successful and failed—allows teams to view challenges as opportunities for learning rather than deterrents, creating a resilient organizational backbone.

Final Thoughts: Overcoming the Fear of Regret

Ultimately, embracing strategic grit is about overcoming the fear of regret. Leaders must weigh the exhaustion of additional responsibilities against the long-term rewards of personal and professional growth. As demonstrated by Norton, choosing to say “yes” can cultivate not only new opportunities for the individual but also inspire a culture of resilience within the organization.

If you are a CIO or a team leader looking to align your growth strategies with the principles of grit and resilience, consider investing in leadership development programs focusing on these qualities. The journey to creating a more resilient organization begins with a single, courageous choice.

Leadership Spotlights

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07.30.2025

Unlocking Business Innovation Through Insights From A NASA Astronaut

Update Insights from Space: A New Lens on Business In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern business, leaders face an array of profound challenges—climate change, geopolitical instability, and technological advancements like artificial intelligence. In navigating these uncharted waters, gaining insights from unexpected sources can be invaluable. One such source is Colonel Ron Garan, a decorated NASA astronaut who offers a unique perspective shaped by his time in space. Thinking Big: The Orbital Perspective Colonel Garan posits that his 'orbital perspective' is essential for contemporary leaders. By spending 178 days in space and completing four spacewalks, he has gained a viewpoint that extends far beyond Earth’s surface. He invites us to look skyward: if nations can collaborate on monumental projects like the International Space Station, what can we achieve when confronting the obstacles here on our planet? He challenges us to consider our shared journey aboard this spaceship called Earth, emphasizing our interconnectedness. This view urges leaders to adopt a dual focus—balancing the big picture with the needs and challenges of individuals and communities. Shifting Mindsets: Sustainability First According to Garan, successfully addressing Earth’s challenges requires a paradigm shift. Currently, political and economic systems often prioritize growth over sustainability, viewing the planet merely as a resource to serve economic interests. However, from space, it becomes overwhelmingly clear that this approach is flawed. Our survival depends on the planet’s health, thus making sustainability not just a feel-good concept, but a practical reality that must underpin all future efforts. Collaboration for a Common Goal Emphasizing unity, Garan states that only through mutual respect and understanding can we come together to solve pressing global issues. This is particularly vital for CIOs, HR leaders, and business managers who are at the forefront of organizational transformation. Creating agile, adaptive business environments is essential, but so is cultivating a culture that recognizes our shared humanity. Practical Steps for Agile Leadership How can organizations implement Garan's advice? Here are several actionable insights for leaders in Business Process Management and HR: Expand Your View: Encourage team members to take part in activities that promote awareness of global issues and sustainability efforts, fostering a broader perspective. Embrace Diverse Opinions: Create a workplace culture where different voices are heard. Diverse perspectives lead to innovative solutions. Focus on Sustainability: Develop business strategies that place sustainability at their core. Create programs that prioritize environmental responsibility. Foster Collaboration: Leverage technological tools to enhance communication and collaboration among teams, regardless of geographical boundaries. Deliver Agile Leadership: Shift towards an agile culture that can swiftly adapt to changing circumstances by utilizing training and frameworks like SAFe. Conclusion: Dare to Imagine and Act As we grapple with the challenges of our time, Garan’s insights offer not only hope but a pathway forward. Keeping our sights trained on the horizon, while also being responsive to the immediate needs around us, can inspire a transition toward a brighter future for our planet. For tomorrow's leaders, such an outside-in perspective is not just beneficial—it's essential. It’s vital for business leaders to acknowledge that the current state of affairs is not immutable. By daring to shift our mindsets and take action, we can cultivate organizations that not only thrive but contribute to the health of our world. Embrace the lessons from the cosmos and let your leadership journey be guided by the stars!

07.27.2025

From Zero Sales to Record Revenue: Leadership Lessons from Michael Lines

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07.26.2025

Are You A Racketeer? Understanding RICO's Impact on Business Leaders

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