Gravitas for Leadership

To be a leader, a person has to be taken seriously by superiors and co-workers—to have gravitas. This book describes opinion and research about the most relevant aspects of this intangible quality as it applies to leadership. Each chapter contains suggestions for making better use of gravitas. One or two self-quizzes are provided in most chapters to help the reader personalize the major idea under consideration. Business leaders who demonstrate gravitas are presented as case studies.
Gravitas as it relates to leadership effectiveness is covered from many angles. Among these topics are its nature and career impact, components relating to the self, and those components which relate to others. Providing practical guidelines to make optimum use of gravitas in the workplace, the book holds keys for attaining and succeeding in leadership positions.

Andrew J. DuBrin is a professor emeritus of management in the Saunders College of Business at the Rochester Institute of Technology. He has written for professional journals and magazines and his books include the subjects of crisis leadership, impression management, narcissism, and the proactive personality.

Andrew J. DuBrin
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 208
Bibliographic Info: notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2025
pISBN: 978-1-4766-9919-6
eISBN: 978-1-4766-5765-3
Imprint: Toplight

Acknowledgments viii
Preface 1

1. The Nature and Career Impact of Gravitas 3
The Gravitas Checklist (self-quiz) 3
A Variety of Definitions and Meanings of Gravitas 4
What Gravitas Is Not 6
The Positive Impact of Gravitas on Your Career 7
The Potential Downside of Gravitas 17
Guidelines for Action 18

2. Components of Gravitas Relating to the Self 19
Displaying Gravitas Through Your Work 19
The Work Attitude Quiz (self-quiz) 19
Self-Confidence and Decisiveness 23
Emotional Intelligence 26
Defined Set of Values 26
Value Clarification Exercise (self-quiz) 28
Positive Reputation 29
Grit 30
Big-Picture Thinking 31
My Tendencies Toward Big-Picture Thinking (self-quiz) 35
Guidelines for Action 36

3. Interpersonal Components of Gravitas 38
Positive Interactions with Work Associates 38
How Important Do I Make People Feel? (self-quiz) 40
Gaining the Respect of Others 42
Projecting Power 47
Engaging Communication Skills 50
Guidelines for Action 53

4. Key Leadership Gravitas Actions and Behaviors 55
Language and Thinking Patterns for Gravitas 55
The Imagination Checklist (self-quiz) 57
Eagerness to Serve Others 59
Empathy, Compassion, and Gravitas 61
Expression of Gratitude 64
Humility as Part of Gravitas 65
Appropriate Expression of Anger 69
Guidelines for Action 70

5. Key Leadership Skills for Gravitas 72
Strategic Thinking 72
Creative and Innovative Thinking 74
The Intuitive Problem-Solving Style Quiz (self-quiz) 76
Sensemaking of Ambiguous Events 77
Effective Coaching 79
Resolving Conflict Between Two Team Members 84
Appropriate Use of Humor 85
Guidelines for Action 88

6. Charisma and Gravitas 90
The Meaning of Charisma 90
The Effects of Charisma 91
Characteristics of Charismatic Leaders 93
A Checklist of Behaviors and Attitudes Reflecting Charisma (self-quiz) 95
Charismatic Qualities and Behaviors Capable of Being Developed 96
My Propensity for Risk-Taking (self-quiz) 100
Guidelines for Action 104

7. Executive Presence and Gravitas 106
Exploring Further the Meaning of Executive Presence 106
The Components of Executive Presence 107
The Development and Improvement of Executive Presence 114
My Self-Discipline Tendencies (self-quiz) 115
Guidelines for Action 123

8. Developing the Internal Attributes of Gravitas 125
Articulate Your Goals and Values 125
Acquire Knowledge and Sharpen Your Insight 127
Hone Your Emotional Intelligence 128
Enhancing Your Emotional Intelligence (skill-building exercise) 129
Develop Your Self-Confidence 132
Strengthen Your Authenticity and Integrity 137
A Checklist of Authentic Leadership Behaviors and Attitudes (self-quiz) 137
Guidelines for Action 139

9. Developing the Interpersonal Attributes of Gravitas 141
Gather Feedback About Your Gravitas 141
Build Rapport with Subordinates and Coworkers 142
Develop Political Skill 145
Send Out Power Signals 149
Work on Making Inspirational Appeals 153
Enhance Your Spontaneous Communication 154
Guidelines for Action 156

10. Actions and Attitudes That Detract from Gravitas 158
Being a Difficult Person 158
Committing Excessive Blunders 161
The Blunder Quiz (self-quiz) 161
Abuse of Power 168
Indecisiveness 168
Excessive Humility 169
Excessive Narcissism 170
The Positive Narcissist Checklist 170
Guidelines for Action 172

Chapter Notes 175
Bibliography 184
Index 193