This note introduces the concept of agile tenacity, exploring the distinctions between adaptability, resilience and grit, and offering strategies for enhancing these qualities in yourself and your team. In today’s fast-paced and turbulent business environment, the need for leaders to exhibit adaptability, resilience and grit has become more critical than ever. Agile tenacity, a powerful combination of these qualities, empowers leaders to effectively navigate complexities and adversity, ensuring sustained success for both themselves and their organizations. Adaptability refers to a leader’s ability to adjust and respond effectively to changing circumstances, new information or unexpected challenges. Resilience, on the other hand, is the capacity to cope with adversity, recover from setbacks and maintain motivation in the face of difficulties. Grit, a related concept introduced by Angela Duckworth, encompasses aspects of adaptability and resilience but adds the qualities of passion for long-term goals and perseverance to achieve them. Understanding the distinctions between adaptability, resilience and grit enables leaders to develop a more comprehensive approach to personal growth and building high-performing teams. By recognizing the unique characteristics of each trait, leaders can create targeted strategies to enhance adaptability, resilience and grit, and ultimately cultivate agile tenacity.
A new law requires large listed companies in the EU to appoint members of the underrepresented gender (usually women) to 33% of all director roles.
A relentless focus on accountability and continuous improvement transformed Valmet from an underdog into an industry leader in a decade. Pasi Laine tells Jean-François Manzoni how it was done.
According to the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, trust in employers is declining for the first time. Here are practical measures to get back on track.
Three Ways to Deal with Your Boss when they act against civility, empathy, and ethics. Discover strategies to handle difficult workplace dynamics effectively.
Broken talent pipeline – Traditional methods of finding and keeping talent no longer work. Businesses must rethink hiring with two key mind shifts, says Cynthia Hansen.
Six ways leaders can shape corporate reputation building strategies within their organizations, drawing on key insights from a Bloomberg Media study.
Managing energy in leadership helps sustain momentum. Tap into purposeful action, team cohesion, and personal conviction to stay energised and inspire others.
To navigate a turbulent business environment, CEOs must understand their landscape and align leadership thinking priorities, advises IMD’s Michael Watkins.
Only by coming to terms with your past can you hone the character and resilience to lead at your best. If you want to be a great leader, be your own case study.
By fostering a ‘we’ culture of sharing, respect, and gratitude, leaders can transform their organizations to shine in an inclusive world.
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Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications