In last week’s blog post we explored the importance of perseverance for people in leadership roles. Perseverance is a gut-generated determination to not give in and never give up, and comes from a spirit that refuses to accept the failure of quitting. A leader who perseveres is ready to endure for the long haul through the good and the bad.
Which Leaders Persevere?
Persevering leaders stand out from the rest and have a significant impact, usually without commanding the limelight or fanfare. Their energy and attitude are distinct – sometimes refreshing, sometimes demanding. They fall into several categories, each one a vital part of an organization’s path through challenging times.
The mature, seasoned leader
Older leaders are generally wiser, steadier, more focused, and more familiar with the causes of success or failure. With age comes wisdom, clarity, and more discernment over what corrections need to be made at the corporate level.
Mature leaders have greater self-awareness. They know their weaknesses and strengths, and how to fine-tune them for specific circumstances. They’re more diligent about making solid commitments and strive for the highest levels of accountability. They act responsibly and do what’s expected of them. They recognize the need for perseverance.
The leader who loves his/her work
Passion is another key ingredient for success. Blend passion with perseverance, and you’ll reap optimal rewards, Duckworth says. Loving what you do makes you more determined and creative. You’ll experience greater curiosity and challenge yourself to make improvements. If you fuel your passion, you’ll enjoy a stable career, with an even greater platform to contribute.
Leaders with passion for their work generate many ideas, and they’re likely to see them take shape. They persevere through many attempts at achieving success, adjusting along the way.
These are just two types of leaders that typically show great perseverance – in next week’s blog post we’ll be exploring three additional categories of persevering leaders. Do you see yourself as fitting into one of these groups? How would you describe your level of perseverance? If you think this is an area you could improve upon, the herd and I are here to help you with our coaching programs!
As always, I would love to hear from you. I can be reached here or on LinkedIn.
