TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY

Learn to develop a quality that demonstrates character – Pallavi Pinakin

The word ‘gravitas’ brings to mind a deep voice, measured speech and sombre attire – but these are simply the outer representations of a much more complex characteristic. Gravitas is what lends your opinion a sense of dignity and credibility, and makes people pause and listen when you speak. It’s also an anchoring quality that can help stabilise volatile or uncertain situations.

Prof. Manfred Kets De Vries at INSEAD business school says: “People who display gravitas are grounded, possess sound judgment and are able to deal with weighty issues.”

The ancient Romans rated gravitas among the highest of the 15 virtues needed to attain a reputable position in society.

We tend to speak of gravitas as if it’s a quality that one is born with. Fortunately, that isn’t true… because this characteristic can definitely be cultivated; and by doing so you can advance your career and elevate your leadership level.

Research by Coqual (formerly the Center for Talent Innovation) found that gravitas was at the heart of ‘executive presence’ – with over 65 percent of senior executives giving it top billing. The study claims that it includes the following elements: self-confidence, vision, emotional intelligence, grace under fire and speaking up.

Authenticity is vital. Though pop culture has a tendency to display gravitas only in outward ways, simply putting on a mask of seriousness and dignity isn’t an effective strategy. That will only make you feel untrue to yourself, which is counterproductive to gravitas.

Instead of focussing only on voice and attire, consider developing the following qualities that will help cultivate gravitas in the workplace…

SELF-AWARENESS The starting point of poise, confidence and calm is self-knowledge. Recognising your abilities, intrinsic worth and limitations is an ongoing process rather than some item to be ticked off your list.

It should come as no surprise then that some of the most impactful leaders in the world regularly make time for practices such as mindfulness and reflection. Building these habits into your day, even for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, lays the foundation for genuine gravitas.

COURAGEOUSNESS Belief in yourself opens up a path to acting courageously. This doesn’t mean not having any concerns or fears. Instead, it means being able to overcome your doubts to act with integrity.

Committing yourself to a moral code of conduct imbues your thinking and behaviour with true weight, and enables you to speak the truth with power. Acts of courage reinforce perceptions of gravitas among other people, as well as in your own mind.

KNOWLEDGEABLE Build up your knowledge base. So much of the information we have nowadays is superficial because it’s sourced from social media and TV sound bites. No wonder our words often sound flippant since they spring from inadequate knowledge and shallow understanding.

If you want people to pay genuine attention to what you say, it’s critical to deepen your knowledge. Choose a subject area you want to master and then immerse yourself in it. Read books, watch interviews, speak to experts and engage with new ideas.

As you expand your knowledge base, your views will naturally become more valuable and eye-opening for others.

IMPERTURBABLE Stay cool under pressure. Displaying grace under fire is widely understood to be a crucial component of gravitas. This means being able to respond to chaotic or stressful situations in a calm manner and also inspire confidence in those around you.

When things start to go wrong, make good use of mindfulness – breathe deeply, pause and find your calm zone. Pumping the brakes this way will allow you to resist the pull of panic, and respond thoughtfully and productively.

ATTENTIVENESS People with gravitas are usually excellent listeners and the quality of their silence speaks volumes. Instead of talking incessantly, they speak only when they have something worthwhile to contribute. The rest of the time, they intentionally slow down their thoughts and focus on what other people are saying.

Listening attentively allows you to pick up vital information, draw unexpected connections and pose insightful questions. It’s also a great way to build trust with your coworkers.

ASSERTIVENESS By blending substance with style, you can be more assertive. While internal factors take top priority, outward presentation also has a role to play in fostering gravitas. As leadership expert Mark Sanborn says: “Substance is more important than style but style can and should complement substance.”

This could mean creating a distinctive sartorial look for yourself that’s ideally aligned with your values, as well as career aspirations. Another key aspect of visual presentation is self-assured and positive body language.