It’s time to talk about gravitas

We spent a good few wines minutes debating whether to write about gravitas. Any leadership label best described as ‘you know it when you see it’ generally translates to ‘a man in finance, 6’5, trust fund, blue eyes’.

But cover it, we will! Not to prove we haven’t aged out of internet memes, but because the world hasn’t aged out of caring about gravitas. So what does it mean? The dictionary definition is ‘seriousness and importance of manner, causing feelings of respect and trust in others’. 

You can see why it’s an important trait for leaders… and why it’s riddled with bias. Not so long ago, our brains would interpret all those vague words to mean a strong handshake, imposing stature and a deep, authoritative voice. However, because the traits associated with gravitas are completely subjective, they evolve with culture. A combination of Covid, diversity and generational change has dragged the meaning out of the old boys’ club and into the modern workplace.

Poise, dignity and influence

The thing about gravitas is that you do know it when you see it. It’s the person in the room who oozes self-assurance. They convey calm, control and competence – especially under pressure. It’s the charismatic woman who walks into every room like she owns it. Or the quiet intellectual who commands attention every time he speaks. It’s the person you turn to for considered, measured advice. 

What it’s not is one-size-fits-all.

So, we could give you many ways to ‘show’ gravitas, but we’re not about ‘faking it till you make it’. If we’re going to close the gender leadership gap, we can’t do it by getting women to change who we are. Instead, we did some digging to understand the underlying mindset behind gravitas and uncover different ways to convey it.

The mindset behind gravitas

Ahead of our member-exclusive mini-masterclass on executive presence, we boiled this key component down to an underlying mindset: people with gravitas believe they deserve to be in the room. They know why they’ve been included and the value they add – and they convey this self-assurance through words and actions.

When you truly believe you deserve a seat at the table, you back yourself. Well-earned faith in your own abilities gives you the confidence to calmly navigate challenges and complexities while providing a clear, guiding light for others. You can be serious when it counts without taking everything too seriously. Gravitas will be unique to you in your way of conveying self-assurance. 

If you know anything about Powrsuit, you know we’ll never tell you to lower your voice, put on your heels, or pretend to be anything other than yourself. What we will share are some words and actions that help all of us embrace and convey the belief that we deserve to be in the room:

1. Own your calendar

Too many of us still let others control our calendars – a job they’re more than willing to take on. We know that ‘no’ is one of the most powerful words in our vocabulary, so this is your reminder: just because you’re invited doesn’t mean you have to go. It’s your time, so you decide how best to use it. You won’t look rude, you’ll look like you are in control of your own time – because you are.

2. Turn up on time

We love you and your ability to juggle. But. Frequently arriving late and frazzled or cancelling at the last minute makes you appear (and feel) disorganised. If it doesn’t look like you can handle your current workload, people will question your ability to handle bigger responsibilities. Block in some gaps between your back-to-backs, be upfront about your hard stops and take a few deep breaths if you’re feeling flustered. 

3. Honesty over transparency

Yes, there is such a thing as being too transparent. Having gravitas means knowing the best self to bring to each situation. It doesn’t mean pushing your feelings to one side or false bravado. It does mean building situational awareness and a professional board of directors to work out your fears and frustrations so you can front up when needed in a strong state of mind.

4. Online? Camera on

People with gravitas are visibly present and engaged – look at how Oprah maintains eye contact during every interview. Talking to a blank screen can be hard work, and turning your video off will be interpreted as checking out – not the vibe you want to convey. We all take the odd meeting in the car, but as a general rule, if you decide it’s worth attending, then be visibly engaged.

5. Remove disclaimers

I just wanted to say…

I think… 

This might be a stupid question…

I’m not an expert, but….

Does that make sense?

Sorry!

People who believe they deserve to be there don’t undermine themselves. ‘Nuff said.

Bonus: In 2024, inclusion wins

Over the last decade, there’s been a notable shift in our perception of gravitas: from command and control to include and collaborate.

These days, people look for leaders who make space for diverse voices. Your ability to draw out diverse perspectives and ensure people are heard is one of the most authentic ways to convey self-confidence and control. Monitor the rough proportion of floor time, call on people with a good point to make, and actively re-engage anyone who is interrupted mid-thought.

Gravitas: From Emperors to everyone

You have a one in 33 million chance of having the same top five Clifton strengths as someone else, in the same order. We all bring unique value to the table, so the way we present gravitas will be unique, too.

To borrow from Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, you, too, can learn to “carry yourself with authority.”