Menlo Book Club: Grit by Angela Duckworth

At Menlo Group, we recently read Grit by Angela Duckworth and reflected on how its core concepts apply to both personal development and our team culture. Here are some of our biggest takeaways:

Grit is defined as passion and perseverance over the long term. This idea resonates deeply with us—especially in an industry like commercial real estate, where deals can take months (or longer) to close, and new advisors often spend significant time building their pipeline before seeing results.

One of the book’s most powerful messages is that grit matters more than talent. Grit is what transforms raw potential into real achievement. That mindset shapes how we approach skill-building, long-term goals, and development across the company.

Grit isn’t just something people are born with—it can be cultivated through leadership, mindset, and environment. At Menlo, we encourage each other to pursue long-term goals even when challenges or setbacks arise.

We’ve also seen how interest fuels commitment. To stay the course, we have to care about the work. That’s why we focus on aligning roles with personal interests, helping team members find long-term motivation in what they do every day.

Support systems matter too. Mentors, friends, and coworkers can help keep us connected to our goals. Across departments and leadership levels, we foster supportive relationships—especially through team-building events and our annual service project.

Duckworth also highlights that success requires the ability to endure boredom and repetition. Growth comes from deliberate practice, and we see that clearly in real estate. Repetition builds mastery.

Our sense of purpose can evolve. What starts as interest can deepen into a more meaningful pursuit. At Menlo, we encourage our team to explore the purpose behind their work and how it grows over time.

And finally, hope is the fuel behind grit. Believing that effort leads to progress helps us move forward—even during tough market cycles or business challenges. We aim to maintain perspective and encourage each other to keep going.

We also recognize the importance of fostering grit in others. Whether it’s children, peers, or mentees, setting high expectations while providing steady support is key to long-term development.

The book closes with a valuable reminder: success and happiness are not the same—but they are connected. At Menlo, we strive to create a culture where professional achievement doesn’t come at the cost of personal fulfillment.

Want more insights like this? Read our other blog summaries on personal growth, leadership, and team development.