By Lynn Flanagan and Tina Gentry
Leadership is not for the faint of heart!  It demands adaptability, resilience, and empathy. We all know that when we talk about leadership, we often use metaphors. The metaphor that strikes a chord with both of us is that of “grit, grace, and a bold heart.”  Leading in this way sometimes comes with titles such as “The Velvet Hammer” or “The Big Heavy,” but we digress.

Grit, grace, and a bold heart may seem contradictory, but they are all essential elements to create an environment where people and ideas thrive.

Grit

Having a backbone in leadership represents resilience, fortitude,and the ability to stand strong in the face of unending changes and challenges. A strong leader will provide stability when things become challenging. They make tough decisions and sometimes unpopular decisions and ensure that the team has a path to follow even if everything else seems chaotic. They do not give up when faced with adversity (even when they may want to). Instead, they dig deep and rise to the occasion.

A strong backbone can be developed by regularly reflecting on the values that guide a leader’s decisions, maintaining consistency and transparency to build trust, being honest, and establishing boundaries to safeguard time and energy for staying focused on the mission.

Grace

While grit represents resilience, grace speaks to vulnerability, openness, and the ability to lead with empathy. A leader who leads with grace does not command respect; they earn it through genuine connection. They are open to feedback, admit mistakes, and create a culture where others feel safe sharing their thoughts and challenges.

They create an environment where team members feel understood and supported, and this emotional intelligence leads to stronger relationships, better collaboration, and a more resilient culture. Leading with grace is not about weakness; it isabout connection and being real.

Bold Heart

A bold heart is where courage and innovation come in; a boldheart embodies courage, creativity, and a willingness to take risks. It requires us to embrace discomfort (embrace the suck!) because we grow when we get out of our comfort zone.

The bold heart represents the leader's passion, creativity, and drive to forge new paths. It is the spark that fuels innovation and inspires others to think bigger. A leader with a bold heart is not afraid to take risks, challenge norms, and lead with purpose. They are driven by a cause greater than themselves, and their enthusiasm is contagious.

A leader with a bold heart sees possibilities others might dismiss. They inspire their teams with a bold vision of the future and encourage everyone around them to pursue their dreams. This passion motivates, ignites, and often leads to breakthroughs. They realize that things do not have to be perfect to be effective and make an impact.

The Balance of Grit, Grace, and a Bold Heart

When these three elements - grit, grace, and a bold heart —come together in a leader, they create a powerful combination. It is the resilience to weather storms, the empathy to connect deeply with others, and the passion and courage to drive transformative changes. Leaders who embody these traits understand that leadership is not about dominating or being perfect. It is about inspiring, connecting, and persevering with integrity.

Leadership is about balance—having the strength to carry the weight of your responsibilities, the vulnerability to connect with others on a human level, and the passion to chase visions that change the world. When leaders approach their roles with grit, grace, and a bold heart, they are able to empower others, weather adversity, and inspire meaningful change.

Whether you are leading a team in a business, a community, or even a country, this combination of qualities will help you navigate the complexities of leadership with authenticity, compassion, and purpose.

So, stand tall in your grit, lean into your grace, and embrace your bold heart! Or as one of our favorite authors, Brene Brown, would say cherish your strong back, soft front, and wild heart!

Lynn P. Flanagan, RN, MSN, CLE
CEO of Ancora Compassionate Care

Tina Gentry,
Chief Operating & Advancement Officer

Leadership Immersion
May  5-9, 2025
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