Gravitas can be translated variously as seriousness, weight, dignity or importance, and denotes a certain substance or depth of personality. Gravitas was one of the Roman Virtues, along with pietas, dignitas and virtus. We all recognise it when we see it, yet it seems difficult to describe.

There are many common misconceptions about gravitas:

• People are born with it - it's not something you can develop
• You have to be mature to have gravitas
• People who have gravitas are always serious
• You can't have gravitas unless you are academic

We recognise gravitas in an individual through their behaviour. Consciously or subconsciously we look at the way people stand, sit, move, talk and gesture and we make judgements. We apply labels and say that an individual has or does not have gravitas.

In Boardroom Impact we explore the meaning of gravitas, how we evaluate it in others, and how we can develop it ourselves. Gravitas is a core pillar of boardroom impact.​

Speaking with Authority

Credibility Under Fire

Inspiring Others

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