Grit, Neurodiversity, and Leadership

When first hearing Grit, one automatically thinks of hard work, perseverance, and a drive toward excellence. In neurodiverse communities, many focus on one area of interest and become experts. Some in the Grit research community might argue that the industry in the area of interest might relate to the construct of deliberate practice. Deliberate practice is when someone hones in on a skill or task to the point where they becomes a master. Some areas include chess, spelling bee champions, and those who achieve great success in academia.

Those who are neurodiverse in leadership also have to take on deliberate practice. They must learn specific skills and styles that come naturally to their neurotypical counterparts. Sometimes, they learn through modeling, role-playing, or coaching, but often, it’s through life experience. Grit might come more naturally to those who are neurodiverse and in leadership as they move their organizations forward.

These leaders are often more sensitive to workplace toxicity and are excellent at visualizing solutions to problems others don’t see. Neurodiverse leaders can bring success to themselves and their organizations. Their struggles, Grit, and determination often bring about positive organizational citizenship behavior and organizational change. Neurodiversity is necessary to improve problem-solving capability, maintain high-functioning teams, and find new, unexpected avenues for business growth. The mediators are Grit and keeping a growth mindset that anything is possible and worth working for can be achieved.