The Role of Self-Reflection and Grit in Leadership Excellence

Just like a mountain climber facing steep challenges, great leaders develop grit and resilience by pushing through adversity and continuous self-reflection.

Effective leadership requires both self-reflection and grit—the ability to analyze one’s own strengths and weaknesses while demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges. Leaders who embrace self-reflection gain clarity on areas of growth, while grit ensures they persist despite obstacles. Organizations that foster these qualities create high-performing teams capable of navigating uncertainty with confidence.

The Power of Self-Reflection in Leadership

Great leaders don’t just react; they assess, learn, and adapt. Self-reflection allows leaders to critically evaluate their decisions, behaviors, and leadership style. Without it, mistakes are repeated, growth is stunted, and leadership effectiveness declines.

As Kraemer (2022) explains, self-reflection helps leaders identify areas that need improvement and prioritize their development. Consider a leader who struggles with public speaking—without self-awareness, this weakness might go unnoticed or ignored. However, a reflective leader recognizes the issue, seeks training, and improves. I experienced this firsthand as a company First Sergeant, briefing general officers. Initially, I felt nervous and often stumbled through presentations.

Recognizing this, I sought out public speaking clubs and formal training, dramatically improving my confidence and delivery.

The most effective leaders are those who routinely ask themselves tough questions:

• What did I handle well today?

• Where did I fall short?

• What could I have done differently?

• How do I ensure I improve next time?

By integrating self-reflection into their leadership routine, individuals cultivate self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and adaptability—hallmarks of great leadership.

How Much Grit Do You Have for the Journey?

Grit is the fuel that drives leadership resilience. Merriam-Webster defines grit as "firmness of mind or spirit: unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger." Whether leading in a combat zone, a corporate boardroom, or on the field, grit determines whether a leader pushes forward or gives up when faced with challenges.

The level of grit required depends on the task at hand. In my own experience, the mental toughness needed for physically demanding missions in Afghanistan was different from the perseverance required to complete my undergraduate degree. Yet in both cases, determination, discipline, and persistence were essential to success.

Research supports this. Beck and Debiliso (2020) studied grit in NFL quarterbacks, showing that these elite athletes must thrive in high-pressure environments, quickly recover from setbacks, and maintain confidence despite failures. Similarly, leaders in business must balance risk, remain composed under pressure, and keep pushing forward, even when the odds seem stacked against them.

Leadership is like rowing through rough waters—success depends on grit, coordination, and the ability to stay focused despite the challenges ahead.

Building Grit in Teams and Organizations

Developing grit within an organization is more challenging than simply hiring talented individuals. Raw talent alone is not enough—high-performance teams require mental toughness, resilience, and the ability to endure adversity.

Mathews (2017) argues that the best teams succeed because of grit, talent, and character. Talent may provide a competitive edge, but mental fortitude determines long-term success. Teams with grit develop deep trust and camaraderie through shared struggles and difficult challenges.

In the military, I learned this firsthand. As a senior NCO, I designed endurance-based training events that required soldiers to complete combat-related tasks under extreme conditions. These experiences were physically and mentally exhausting, but they built resilience, strengthened cohesion, and prepared teams for real-world challenges.

Leaders can cultivate grit in their organizations by:

1. Creating Challenges – Encourage employees to step outside their comfort zones and face difficult but attainable goals.

2. Fostering Resilience – Teach strategies for emotional regulation and mental toughness to help individuals push through adversity.

3. Building a Growth Mindset – Promote the belief that setbacks are learning opportunities, not failures.

4. Encouraging Self-Reflection – Employees who regularly assess their performance and adjust their approach become more adaptable and resilient over time.

Final Thoughts: Grit + Self-Reflection = Elite Leadership

Great leadership is not just about talent or intelligence—it’s about the ability to reflect, learn, and persist despite adversity. Leaders who prioritize self-reflection gain clarity and direction, while those with grit push through obstacles with unwavering determination. Organizations that intentionally develop these qualities in their teams will thrive in uncertainty, maintain peak performance, and cultivate a culture of resilience.

About Me

I coach Veterans, executives, and professionals to master self-leadership as the foundation for leading others effectively. As a U.S. Army Special Forces Veteran, I bring a balanced, performance-driven approach that integrates self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and holistic wellness. Through transformational change strategies and mental performance techniques, I help individuals operate with clarity and resilience — both in high-pressure environments and in everyday life.

Let's connect: jay@commandperformancecoaching.com

Transformational Life and Leadership Coaching