Does GRAVITAS Matter?

Does GRAVITAS Matter?

Does GRAVITAS Matter?  Before we drill down on this, let's have an alignment.  Mr Webster defines it akin to weightiness, seriousness and/or importance.  It's like when in a scheduled meeting, everyone's neck is sticking for you to step in and once you sit at the head of the boardroom table, everything conjures images of CxO-level executives ready to hammer on his down-lines.  OR taking on the podium to deliver a lecture OR a speech📗📙📘

YES, been there, done that.  At many points in my career WHEN I was an entry-level upstart, i was enamored by the sleek attired, grey-haired executives WHO all they need to do is pop-out, show their presence even if they DON'T need to throw their weight💦💦💦

BUT after those years of learning the ropes, I did run the full-circle as this time around, I may not be that dapper and sleek attired and grey-haired executive BUT by stepping into the meeting room just thirty seconds before the meeting commences, you would realize that the environment suddenly turns from a casual one to something that was business-like [WHICH it really must be anyway].  So, if we look at the etymology of GRAVITAS, we could have a better alignment with history itself as we are told that GRAVITAS is a Roman word and in ancient Rome, GRAVITAS was one of the virtues of being a good Roman citizen.  WHAT's noteworthy is that while GRAVITAS did require dignity, seriousness, influence and weight, a good Roman citizen also needed to be kind, to work hard, to have that self-worth💥💥💥

And this is WHERE I think a seemingly boring word NOW seems interesting.  GRAVITAS requires that same balance of opposing forces.  In short, much as you can manifest and carry on with that weightiness and seriousness, you need to balance it out with your deftly smooth ability to lighten things up WHEN things become too stiff, too serious OR too stifled.  And looking back at the countless boardroom meetings I had the chance to be with, having that passion, humility and wit are intangibles that will be 'x' factors, if ever a situation ends in an impasse or a standoff of two forces that are immovable💧💧💧

Our takeaway:  Let's NOT peddle the GRAVITAS factor because there is no single recipe to earn it, to manifest it.  Ironically, it is a confluence of tons of intangibles alongside warmth, passion, compassion, approachability and likeability.  You DON'T want to be perceived as TOO DOWN or just deathly DULL and DRY.  Neither too UP you become so light as air, so fluffy.  In the end, WHO else will listen OR heed your words.  So, DOES GRAVITAS MATTER?  Not anymore dude💥💥💥