The One Trait I Look for in Every Great Leader
The One Thing That Separates Great Leaders
Someone asked me recently, “If you had to choose just one trait that separates great leaders from everyone else, what would it be?”
And honestly, it made me pause. Because there’s no shortage of leadership advice out there, strategy, vision, EQ, IQ, communication, delegation, passion. All of it matters.
But if I had to choose just one thing that consistently shows up in the leaders I trust, admire, and want on my team, it’s this:
Grit.
Not the loud kind. Not the flashy kind. But the quiet, determined, not-gonna-quit kind.
It’s the kind of grit that doesn’t show up on a résumé but shows up when everything feels like it’s falling apart. The kind that reads the book no one assigned. The kind that keeps pushing forward when Plan A fails and Plan B is still loading.
And here’s what I know for sure: I’d rather have someone with average intelligence and relentless grit than a genius who’s not willing to go the extra mile. Every. Single. Time.
Grit Doesn’t Always Look Like Strength
One of the biggest misconceptions about grit is that it looks like confidence or perfection. It doesn’t.
In my experience, the grittiest leaders are often the ones who admit they don’t have all the answers, but they refuse to stay stuck.
They’re the ones who say, “I don’t know how to solve this yet… but give me a few days. I’ll figure it out.”
Those are the people I want on my team.
Because leadership isn’t about having the solution right now. It’s about believing you can find one if you care enough to keep searching.
Grit shows up when the budget’s tighter than expected. When the strategy isn’t working. When the new hire doesn’t pan out. When the sermon fell flat. When the launch didn’t go as planned. When momentum slows and discouragement creeps in.
Grit is what gets you back up and trying again anyway.
It’s the Trait I Hope My Kids Grow Into
More than talent, opportunity, or achievement, I want my kids to have grit.
I want Zach and Elizabeth to grow up knowing they don’t need to have all the answers right away. What they need is the belief that answers are out there, and they’re capable of finding them.
I want them to say, “I don’t know yet… but I will.” And mean it.
Because that’s not just a leadership mindset. That’s a life mindset.
Why This Matters for Church Leaders and Entrepreneurs
If you’re leading something that matters, whether it’s a church, a business, or a small team, you already know the truth: most of the problems you face don’t come with easy answers.
There’s no manual for the complex conversations. No script for the emotional weight. No checklist for when a key volunteer steps down or growth plateaus out of nowhere.
You don’t need perfect people. You need persistent people. People who will dig in. Who will learn what they don’t yet know. Who will try and fail and try again. People who will show up when it’s easier to opt out.
Because talent can take you far. But grit is what gets you through the unknown.
Grit Is the Secret Sauce
Here’s what I believe with my whole heart: You might not be the smartest person in the room. You might not have the most resources, the fanciest tools, or the biggest platform.
But if you have grit? You have what it takes to build something that lasts.
So whether you’re hiring, mentoring, parenting, or leading, look for the people who stay in the fight. The ones who get back up. The ones who lean in when it’s easier to pull back.
And more than that, be that person yourself.
When you don’t know the answer yet, keep going.
When the path gets murky, keep moving.
When things don’t go as planned, keep showing up.
Because grit will carry you further than talent ever will.
Watch: How Grit Shapes Everyday Leadership
If you want to go deeper on this topic, I recorded a short video breaking down how grit shows up in real leadership moments, from leading through uncertainty to staying steady when everything feels off track.
In the video, I share practical ways I’ve learned to build grit over the years (and a few lessons I had to learn the hard way).
Whether you’re leading a team, a church, or a family, this conversation will help you stay grounded, keep going, and lead with resilience when it matters most.
Ready to Build Grit Into Your Leadership?
If you’re ready to build grit, focus, and growth into your everyday leadership, grab our free 30-Day Leadership Growth Plan.
Inside, you’ll learn:
- Four daily non-negotiables that drive personal growth
- A monthly meeting rhythm that transforms how you lead your team
- Simple but effective leadership habits that keep you focused and aligned
All in under 30 minutes a day.
👉 Download your free 30-Day Leadership Growth Plan here.
About Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Text In Church, a communication platform built to help churches connect with their people beyond Sunday mornings. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Tyler shares practical strategies to help church and business leaders grow with clarity and confidence.
He’s a husband, dad, and lifelong learner who’s passionate about building systems that empower people and strengthen communities.
👉 Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn for more leadership and communication insights.
