Resilience is a frequently used word and not quite the right one to describe working intensely for extended periods with projects that have unexpected surprises. Smart Books founder, Leaine Jones, has been pondering this after a heavy workload with a significant project that did not go to plan and became very compressed with tight deliverables. She came up with the acronym GRIT to help explain how an intense workload can be effectively managed.
G for Growth
Aim for progress rather than perfection. Not sure where to start? Start somewhere! Growth is all about embracing learning opportunities and evolving through challenges. Rather than getting bogged down in the minutest details develop skills in project management using a structured framework that looks at stages and phases with solid feedback loops. Who can help you? Are there software tools that will help? What learnings can be determined at the end? Leverage these to help you improve next time round.
R for Resilience
Resilience means staying flexible and maintaining a positive attitude even when things get tough. Test things out – trying things will help determine what is needed – remember these are challenges not failures! Being able to bounce back from setbacks and be flexible with the unexpected will keep the project moving forward. Being a team player will help you both receive and give support. Look to your past experiences for parallels to help you work things through – you know more than you think!
I for Intensity
Intensity involves putting in focused, high-energy effort to drive tasks to completion, even under tight deadlines. Creating focus sessions that fit your energy rhythms rather than working continuously long hours will keep you being productive. Utilise productivity tools where you can to create efficiency. Aim to be operating at a high level rather than being bogged down in low-level repetitive tasks. Eliminating other distractions and offloading other regular work to others will help keep you on task too. What help can you get at home while the heat is on? Can another family member take care of some of the household chores and childminding? Minimising other obligations that may cause conflict is a real benefit.
T for Tenacity
Tenacity is about sticking with it, working through the difficulties, and keeping the end goal in sight. Persist with determination and resolve. The saying “When the going gets tough, the tough get going!” comes to mind. Take heart from the successes – it isn’t all about problem-solving, parts of the project will go to plan, and something you try out to address an issue will be successful. Keep a balanced approach to all the cogs that are turning – they won’t all be stuck gears! Keep motivated and seek support to keep you on track.
Leaine’s GRIT framework offers a comprehensive approach to managing heavy workloads effectively, ensuring you’re not just surviving, but thriving. This balance of Growth, Resilience, Intensity, and Tenacity can transform the way you handle your professional challenges.
“Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, nor a sprint.”
Angela Duckworth
American academic, psychologist, and science author.
