FUTURE TALENT November - January 2019/2020 | Page 70

P
PERSONAL TRAINING
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE ‘AUTHENTIC
GRAVITAS’ ‑ AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT
FOR LEADERS TO HAVE IT?
Gravitas at work means you are taken seriously, your
contributions are considered important , you
are recognised as adding substantial value, and
you are trusted and respected. Authentic gravitas
comes when we make this contribution intentionally,
in line with our values and unique strengths.
IS THIS ABOUT POSITION, OR CAN PEOPLE
LOWER DOWN THE ORGANISATION DEVELOP
GRAVITAS TO HAVE AN IMPACT TOO?
Authentic gravitas isn’t reserved for the people in
formal positions of senior leadership. Professionals
regarded as having a high degree of gravitas are across
industries and organisations, some with extensive
experience, some with very little.
ISN’T AUTHENTIC GRAVITAS AN
INNATE QUALITY?
One of the biggest myths of gravitas is that it’s
something we are born with. People often feel, “I’m
just not like that”. We look at others and perceive their
confidence, presence and how they have a powerful
impact, and think they’re just wired differently to us.
However, often those people are choosing to be
courageous rather than feeling confident and have
committed to developing skills that lead to gravitas.
I’ve seen hundreds of professionals develop their own
authentic gravitas; it requires self-leadership, discipline
and courage, but it certainly can be done.
IS IT EQUALLY ACHIEVABLE FOR
MEN AND WOMEN?
Yes! Some studies suggest women are more likely to
expect their work to speak for itself (and so are less
70 // Future Talent
HOW
TO
... DEVELOP
AUTHENTIC
GRAVITAS
AT WORK
Organisational psychologist
Dr Rebecca Newton, author
of Authentic Gravitas, explains
how to stand out for all
the right reasons.
Interview by Sarah Wild