A few years ago, my mom sent me a signed copy of Shannon Polson’s book, The Grit Factor, with a note that said: “We heard this woman speak [at a conference] in Lake George. Although you weren’t in aviation, I kept thinking I could substitute your name for hers in many of her obstacles and stories. She was very motivational.”

Intrigued, I did a quick search and discovered that Polson is more than just a speaker; she’s a bestselling author, a trailblazer in resilience and leadership, and one of the U.S. Army's first female attack helicopter pilots. Polson’s work in both the military and corporate worlds gives her a unique lens through which she explores grit, resilience, and courage.

Polson’s book, The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience, and Leadership in the Most Male-Dominated Organization in the World, dives into resilience in high-stakes environments and presents a framework for cultivating grit, not just as a concept but as a practical tool for overcoming challenges. Through stories of women pioneers in military and aviation, Polson underscores universal lessons in leadership and resilience that can inspire anyone aiming to develop these qualities in their personal or professional lives.

Framework for Building Resilience: The Grit Triad

Polson's approach to grit goes beyond mere toughness; it's about thriving in adversity through purpose, learning, and bold action. She organizes these concepts into what she calls The Grit Triad—Commit, Learn, and Launch. This triad forms the core of her framework, providing leaders with a structured approach to foster grit within themselves and their teams.

Commit: Focus on personal mission and purpose.

Commitment is the bedrock of resilience, rooted in a clear sense of mission. Polson encourages leaders to articulate their "why"—the core values and beliefs that drive them. This purpose becomes an anchor in times of challenge, helping leaders stay focused and motivated, even when the path ahead is difficult. By revisiting their mission regularly, leaders can ensure that their actions align with their goals, strengthening their resolve and clarity.

Learn: Gain insight from failures and successes.

Learning is an ongoing process, and Polson emphasizes the value of embracing both failures and successes as critical sources of growth. By reflecting on each experience, leaders can extract valuable lessons that inform future decisions, making setbacks a foundation for resilience rather than a source of discouragement. This approach encourages a mindset of continuous improvement, transforming every outcome—positive or negative—into an opportunity to become more skilled, self-aware, and adaptable.

Launch: Act boldly, even amidst fear.

Launch is where preparation meets action. Polson advocates for stepping forward courageously, even when certainty is absent, recognizing that bold actions are essential for growth and discovery. Launching isn’t about being fearless but about moving forward despite fear, trusting in one's preparation and purpose. By taking decisive action, leaders build confidence and cultivate grit, proving to themselves and others that resilience is forged in moments of boldness and risk.

Why Leaders Should Read The Grit Factor

The Grit Factor is more than just a leadership book; it’s a practical guide for anyone looking to build resilience. Polson’s actionable exercises and reflections offer a structured way to incorporate grit into both personal and professional life. For leaders, especially in high-stress environments, these insights help the reader to navigate challenges with mental toughness and purpose. Polson’s prompts and exercises encourage readers to actively engage, making the lessons practical and immediately applicable.

Key Concept #1: [Commit] Know Your Story

Polson emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s past and the power of personal narrative in building resilience. She argues that knowing where you come from—both the highs and the hardships—is essential to developing a strong sense of self and purpose. The Grit Factor encourages readers to embrace and reflect on their personal journeys as foundational to grit.

Actionable Tips:

Reflect on Your Defining Moments: Take time to consider the events and challenges that have shaped who you are today. Write down three experiences that tested you. Ask yourself: What did I learn? How did these experiences contribute to my personal growth?
Reframe Challenges as Lessons: Practice seeing past difficulties as stepping stones, not stumbling blocks. For each challenge, note how it has contributed to your strength, adaptability, or insight, turning each experience into a source of empowerment. [Related Book Review: Mindset by Carol Dweck, Ph.D.]
Create a Personal Mission Statement: Define your “why.” Identify the values that drive you and shape your decisions, then create a mission statement that serves as a reminder of your purpose. This exercise helps ground you in moments of uncertainty, providing direction and motivation.

Pro Tip: Journaling is a powerful tool for unlocking your authentic story. The more time you spend writing and reflecting, the more likely you are to “breakthrough” the layers of the learned behaviors, emotions and thought patterns that are holding you back from being your authentic self.

Key Concept #2: [Learn] Draw Your Circle

Polson discusses the importance of cultivating a supportive community. Resilience, she argues, is often a team effort, bolstered by the people we trust and rely on. Polson encourages readers to intentionally create a “circle” of support—a community that includes mentors, peers, and those who share your goals or values. This network offers emotional support, guidance, and accountability, bolstering resilience.

Actionable Tips:

Identify Your Support System: Map out the people who play a key role in your personal and professional life. List mentors, colleagues, family, and friends who support you emotionally, offer guidance, and push you to grow.
Seek Out Mentorship: Proactively reach out to those you admire or who have walked a similar path. Set up regular check-ins or conversations with at least one mentor to seek advice and share your progress.
Establish a Peer Support Group: Cultivate relationships with peers who understand your challenges and aspirations. Consider setting up monthly meetings with a small group of trusted individuals where you can openly discuss goals, setbacks, and successes. This mutual support helps to reinforce resilience.

Not comfortable asking for help or leveraging your network? Check out my book review for How Women Rise, specifically the section where I discuss Habits 4 and 5.

Key Concept #3: [Launch ]Have the Audacity to Be Yourself

Polson champions authenticity as a cornerstone of resilience and courage. She urges readers to embrace their true selves unapologetically, arguing that authenticity is both liberating and essential for effective leadership. Embracing one’s true self allows leaders to act with greater courage, clarity, and purpose, inspiring those around them.

Actionable Tips:

Identify Your Unique Strengths: Reflect on the qualities, skills, and values that make you unique. Write down three to five strengths and consider how you can integrate them into your work and relationships. [Related Blog: Unlocking Your Potential]
Practice Authentic Communication: In conversations, aim to speak honestly and share your perspective openly, even when it may not align with the norm. Start small by contributing one unique idea in meetings or by sharing personal insights in conversations.
Set Boundaries to Protect Your Values: Identify situations where you feel pressured to compromise on your values or preferences. Practice setting firm boundaries in these areas, making choices that honor your core principles and help you stay true to yourself. [Download a Free Values Assessment]
Be Deliberately Bold: Start with small but deliberate acts of boldness, like sharing a unique idea in a meeting. Gradually take on bigger challenges, reinforcing a habit of courageous action and affirming your ability to tackle the unknown.

Pro Tip: Being authentic is easier said than done. It takes conscious effort and requires you to step out of your comfort zone. This can trigger a stress response and our vulnerability shields. A key element of resilience is being scared but doing it anyway. Partnering with a coach can help you stay accountable to the new, authentic approach you’d like to take, and provide a safe space for you to learn, grow, and develop as you continue to put yourself out there.

Final Thoughts

Shannon Polson’s The Grit Factor redefines what it means to lead with resilience. Grounded in experience and supported by stories from other women in high-stakes fields, her framework for developing grit is empowering, actionable, and relevant for today’s leaders. While the book may resonate particularly with those in military or high-pressure settings, the lessons Polson imparts are universal, encouraging all leaders to commit, learn, and launch in the pursuit of authentic and resilient leadership.

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If you’re ready to take these concepts from theory to practice, partnering with a coach is a great option! Schedule a complimentary discovery call to learn how coaching can help you become a more resilient and impactful leader.