In her influential book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, 2013 McArthur Fellow and professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, Angela Duckworth offers a compelling argument for why long-term success depends less on innate talent and more on sustained effort, commitment, and resilience. For school system leaders navigating the complexities of today’s educational landscape, Duckworth’s insights are both timely and essential.

At the heart of Grit is the idea that achievement stems from a blend of passion and perseverance. Passion, as Duckworth defines it, is not a fleeting interest but a deep, enduring commitment to a purpose. Perseverance is the stamina to stay the course through obstacles, setbacks, and changing circumstances. School leaders who embrace grit not only model these qualities for their teams but also create cultures that prioritize growth, resilience, and high expectations for both students and staff.

Duckworth dismantles the myth of talent as the primary driver of excellence. Instead, she introduces the “effort counts twice” equation: talent x effort = skill; skill x effort = achievement. For superintendents, principals, and central office leaders, this formula reframes how we think about building capacity in our schools. It is not about finding the most “gifted” teachers or students but about cultivating environments where sustained effort is celebrated, supported, and rewarded.
A key takeaway for system leaders is the concept of “deliberate practice.” Duckworth emphasizes that grit grows when individuals engage in focused, intentional work aimed at continuous improvement. For schools, this translates into robust professional development, data-driven instruction, and coaching that encourages iteration rather than perfection. Leaders can drive systemic change by ensuring teachers and students alike are given the structures and supports to practice deliberately and persistently.

Equally important is the role of culture. Duckworth underscores that grit flourishes in environments where shared purpose is strong. For school systems, this means aligning vision, mission, and priorities across classrooms, schools, and districts. When educators understand the “why” behind their work, they are more likely to sustain the passion required to overcome inevitable challenges.
What Leaders Can Do Next
To bring grit to life in their systems, leaders can:

  • Model grit by sharing their own stories of persistence and staying the course on long-term goals.
  • Foster a culture of purpose by clarifying the district mission and reinforcing the “why.”
  • Prioritize effort over talent by celebrating growth and resilience.
  • Build systems for deliberate practice with ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional learning.
  • Cultivate resilient teams through collaboration and peer support.
  • Encourage grit in students by empowering teachers to teach perseverance and provide authentic challenges.

Ultimately, Grit challenges school system leaders to reimagine success not as a product of natural ability, but as the result of consistent, purposeful effort over time. By modeling and embedding grit into district culture, leaders can help educators and students alike develop the passion and perseverance needed to thrive. “Grit is not just about stubborn persistence. It’s also about choosing the right goals”—Angela Duckworth.