IIMI Union Catalogue IIMI IRINS OPAC

Accessibility Tools

Contrast Adjustment

🌙 High Contrast
☀️ Normal

Text Size

⬆️ Increase Text
⬇️ Decrease Text
🔄 Reset Text
Tt Text Spacing
↕️ Line Height

News Bulletin Details

  • Home
  • News Bulletin Details
Oct 08 2026

What Actually Sets High Achievers Apart?

Overview

The Harvard Business Review article “What Actually Sets High Achievers Apart?” examines the qualities that enable certain individuals to achieve consistently strong results. Drawing on the research of University of Pennsylvania professor Angela Duckworth, the article identifies grit—a combination of passion and perseverance—as an important contributor to sustained achievement.

The discussion also explains that performance is influenced not only by an individual’s mindset and behaviour but also by their working environment. Leaders, managers and organisations can help people perform at their best by identifying harmful workplace conditions and creating more supportive circumstances.

Details

Article: What Actually Sets High Achievers Apart?
Publication: Harvard Business Review
Newsletter: HBR Recommends
Author and interviewer: Alison Beard
Featured expert: Angela Duckworth
Expert affiliation: University of Pennsylvania
Format: Question-and-answer discussion
Central question: The article investigates what distinguishes high achievers from other individuals.
Grit: Angela Duckworth’s research identifies grit as an important quality associated with achievement.
Meaning of grit: Grit combines sustained passion for meaningful objectives with the perseverance required to continue pursuing them.
Beyond natural ability: The discussion suggests that achievement cannot be explained entirely by intelligence, talent or other innate capabilities.
Developing grit: Individuals who do not naturally display high levels of grit may be able to strengthen it through deliberate effort, experience and supportive conditions.
Role of perseverance: High achievers are often able to remain committed to important goals despite difficulties, delays and setbacks.
Role of passion: Long-term interest and commitment can help individuals sustain their effort over extended periods.
Workplace circumstances: A leader’s situation and working environment may influence performance as much as personal mindset and behaviour.
Diagnosing a difficult situation: The discussion offers guidance for recognising when a work environment is limiting motivation, development or performance.
Changing the environment: Individuals may need to assess whether workplace problems can be improved through changes in responsibilities, relationships, resources or organisational practices.
Management responsibility: Managers can influence achievement by designing workplaces that encourage persistence, engagement and professional growth.
Organisational responsibility: Organisations should establish conditions that enable employees to apply their abilities effectively and perform at their best.
Balanced perspective: The article avoids treating success solely as an individual responsibility and recognises the influence of organisational systems and circumstances.

Related Resources

Organizational Grit: This resource examines how organisations can develop a shared capacity for passion, perseverance and sustained execution.
Four Things High Achievers Do Differently: This article explores behaviours and working practices commonly associated with high-performing individuals.
Managing anxiety: An additional resource discusses how high achievers can recognise and overcome anxiety.

Upcoming Event

HBR Innovation Summit: The summit will take place on 12 November 2026 and will feature masterclasses and insights from chief executives.

Innovation Forum: HBR Executive subscribers may participate in an Innovation Forum on 13 November 2026 to apply ideas discussed during the summit.

Further information: Readers may access the complete interview, related resources and event-registration information through the links provided in the original HBR Recommends newsletter.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this News Bulletin is for informational purposes only. The Learning Centre does not facilitate or provide recordings, additional data, access, or any other related information concerning the events/resources listed. 
Learning Centre Assistant

We're here to help!

👋 Hello!
Welcome to IIM Indore Learning Centre Chatbot.
Please enter your official email ID associated with IIM Indore.
Once verified, I’ll be happy to assist you!
06:24 PM