Have you ever been told to work on your gravitas? I was when I was a junior lawyer, but neither my manager nor my executive coach at the time could explain what gravitas meant or how to gain it. In this article, I provide answers and practical strategies.

Developing gravitas is a valuable skill that can help you project confidence, authority and influence in various personal and professional settings. The Collins English Dictionary describes gravitas as “reserved dignity; propriety and good taste in behaviour and speech, as of a leader or official”.

However, this definition only partially covers what people mean when referring to gravitas professionally. Having gravitas involves various skills and attributes, such as a commanding presence, effective communication, detailed knowledge, resilience and confidence. By cultivating these qualities, you can enhance your ability to make a lasting impact on others and gain respect in your field.

Gravitas often grows naturally over time, but you can also work on it more consciously by following these practical strategies:

1. Cultivate Self-Awareness 

The journey towards gravitas begins with self-awareness. When you have a clear sense of self, it becomes easier to project gravitas authentically.

You can cultivate self-awareness by:

• taking the time to reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, values and goals
• understanding your purpose and the impact you want to make
• exploring your values and aligning your actions with them
• identifying your areas of expertise and the unique perspective you bring to the table.

A great way to explore these topics is to seek feedback from trusted mentors, coaches or friends. I recommend actively requesting feedback on your presence, communication style and overall demeanour. Be open to constructive criticism and view it as an opportunity for growth. Embracing the wisdom of others can guide you in refining your gravitas.

2. Improve Your Communication Skills

Effective communication is an essential aspect of developing gravitas. You can enhance your verbal and nonverbal communication skills by:

• striving for clarity, purpose and conviction in your content
• using appropriate body language, maintaining eye contact and exhibiting a confident posture
• paying attention to your tone of voice, pace of speech and volume
• practising active listening, allowing others to feel heard and understood.

Mastering the art of communication will help you convey your ideas with authority and engage others effectively.

3. Enhance Your Knowledge and Expertise

Gravitas is often associated with expertise and detailed knowledge in a particular field. Many professional advisers use this as their starting point for developing gravitas.

Becoming an expert involves:

• committing to continuous learning and expanding your knowledge base
• staying current with industry trends
• reading widely about your field and engaging in meaningful discussions with experts
• attending relevant conferences, workshops or webinars to sharpen your skills.

Investing in your intellectual growth will give you confidence in your knowledge, positioning yourself as a credible and respected authority.

4. Develop a Strong Presence

Have you ever noticed how some people “command a room”? They have a strong energy about them that attracts attention and respect. You notice their presence whilst others in the same room can almost seem invisible.

This skill can be a bit harder to learn, but you acquire it with practice.  Here are a few ways to cultivate a strong physical presence:

• practise good posture
• maintain a calm demeanour
• move purposefully
• project confidence through your body language, facial expressions and gestures.
• strike a balance between approachability and assertiveness.

A strong presence will help you establish authority and capture others’ attention.

5. Demonstrate Integrity and Authenticity 

Whilst some leaders demonstrate gravitas without showing integrity and authenticity, I see these traits as essential leadership skills that will improve your reputation and earn you greater respect.

Acting with integrity and authenticity entails:

• adhering to ethical and legal principles
• honouring commitments and demonstrating reliability
• being genuine and true to yourself in your words and actions.

You build trust and credibility with others when you consistently demonstrate these qualities.

6. Cultivate Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence plays a vital role in developing gravitas. It involves understanding and managing your emotions and empathising with others. It’s one of my favourite topics, as emotional intelligence helps us thrive in all areas of life.

You can improve your emotional intelligence by:

• developing the ability to recognise and regulate your own emotions as well as those of others
• showing an interest in other people
• actively listening and showing empathy and compassion
• considering different perspectives
• demonstrating that you understand other people.

Emotional intelligence helps you build strong connections and navigate challenging situations gracefully and with composure, enhancing your gravitas. I use the Enneagram growth model with my clients to facilitate quantum leaps in their emotional intelligence.

7. Practise Resilience and Confidence 

Resilience and confidence are essential qualities that contribute to gravitas. They allow you to express your ideas and opinions with assurance, even under stress.

You can develop resilience and confidence by:

• cultivating your ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges
• working on limiting beliefs and negative self-talk that are holding you back
• viewing failures as opportunities for growth and learning rather than as personal shortcomings
• embracing a growth mindset that focuses on continuous improvement
• celebrating your achievements and recognising your talents to strengthen your belief in your abilities and worth
• when faced with uncertainty or adversity, maintaining your composure and self-

By practising resilience and confidence, you will project an aura of strength and stability, enhancing your gravitas.

8. Foster a Growth Mindset 

A “growth mindset” is believing you can change yourself and your life outcomes with the right strategy and guidance.  Cultivating a growth mindset is crucial in developing gravitas;  allowing you to view setbacks as temporary obstacles and opportunities for growth.

People with a growth mindset:

• embrace challenges and seek growth opportunities
• believe in their capacity to learn and improve
• emphasise effort and perseverance, knowing that growth is a continuous journey
• stay open to new ideas, remain curious and are willing to adapt their perspectives.

A growth mindset nurtures a sense of optimism, resilience and determination, strengthening your gravitas and empowering you to overcome obstacles confidently.

9. Develop a Professional Network 

Building a solid professional network can provide valuable support for developing gravitas. Your growth is determined by the company you seek. By cultivating a diverse network, you gain access to valuable knowledge and opportunities, enhancing your visibility and credibility within your industry.

Here are a few ways to develop your professional network:

• Surround yourself with individuals who inspire, challenge and support your growth. These could be friends, coaches or social groups, to name just a few.
• Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and share their experiences.
• Engage in meaningful conversations with professionals in your field, attending industry events, seminars or conferences.
• Participate in professional associations or online communities to connect with like-minded individuals.

Developing gravitas is a transformative journey. By consciously developing the qualities set out in this article, you can project confidence, authority and influence in various aspects of your life.

Remember that developing gravitas is a continuous process which requires dedication, self-reflection and a commitment to growth. If you embrace opportunities to refine your presence, deepen your knowledge and connect with others, your gravitas will naturally flourish, empowering you to make a lasting impact.

You don’t have to do it on your own

If the list of tips in this article seems overwhelming and you need help figuring out where to start, don’t worry. You don’t have to do this on your own. Working with a career coach or executive coach can ve a game-changer. You can schedule a FREE Discovery Call with me here to discuss how you can improve your gravitas and any other leadership skills for your career. Together we can break this down into small, manageable steps that are easy and fun to follow.