Why Grit Matters -- And Why We Should Be Measuring It In Corrections Officers
Written by: Alexander L. Burton, Ph.D., Cheryl Lero Jonson, Ph.D., Melissa Moon, Ph.D., Jackson Logue
Agencies that assess and develop grit in correctional officers can improve performance, reduce burnout and build a more resilient workforce
In a profession known for high stress, staff turnover and emotional burnout, one psychological trait may hold the key to retention, performance and resilience among correctional officers: grit. But what is grit, and why should jails and prisons across the country start paying attention to it?
What is grit?
Angela Duckworth introduced the concept of grit to a wide audience in 2016 with her best-selling book, “Grit: The power of passion and perseverance,” which topped the New York Times Business list.
Defined as the ability to stick with long-term goals despite challenges, grit is about perseverance and passion over time It is not just about being “hard” or “tough,” but instead about being able to bounce back, stay the course, and remain focused on a bigger mission — even when the day-to-day gets overwhelming.
Grit is consequential. Researchers have shown it is associated with workplace burnout, mental resilience, performance reviews and promotions at work, turnover and retention, and succeeding in highly stressful environments, among other outcomes.
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