My first two blogs on executive presence focused on communication and appearance. The final component to this “secret sauce” is something many experts call gravitas. Definitions of gravitas include substance, weight, value, seriousness, and dignity. It is the grit.

What does gravitas mean to a leader and what role does it play in executive presence? Sally Hewlett, the author of Executive Presence, and the research team, Center for Talent Innovation, found that 62% of leaders surveyed thought gravitas signals to the world you are made of the right stuff. Gravitas is the core characteristic of executive presence.

Gravitas looks like:

• Confidence and composure under crisis
• Decisiveness and being willing to make a tough decision
• Integrity
• Emotional Intelligence
• Reputation
• Vision and charisma
• Resilience

Gravitas is not about aggressiveness, domination or control. It is about listening to others, giving thoughtful consideration of the information, weighing the options and making the decision! It is the willingness to be an active part at the table and having the courage and confidence to speak up. Finally, it is being willing to raise your hand and step up.

The combination of communication, appearance and gravitas: do you have it? Want to learn more? Better yet, do you want to step up and gain confidence in yourself? Contact me and let’s talk!