Charisma and Gravitas

John F. Kennedy with wife Jacqueline

                              The credibility of the magnetic personality or one with charisma is not limited to just having good verbal and non-verbal abilities.  The external charm has to be matched with interior substance which is also known as gravitas. Professor Brian Leggett of the University of Navarra’s IESE Business School explained gravitas as a person with dignity, seriousness, dutiful in speech and in conduct, and one who listens well.  Its opposite is levitas or levity which is to make light or fun of serious or important matters.   

               A “Checklist on the Attributes of a Magnetic Personality” by Professor Leggett may look like this:

•  1. Expert in one field yet possessing good general knowledge 
•  2. Highly energetic yet controlled
•  3. Enthusiastic
•  4. Flexible
•  5. Has good sense of humor
•  6. Stands out from the majority
•  7. Has self-confidence
•  8. Gets involved with what they are good at
•  9. Emotionally intelligent
• 10. Has gravitas

Mahatma Gandhi

      A person with charisma and gravitas has weight of character and depth in personality.   He becomes honorable and admirable because of his zest to communicate without losing the apt and true concern for others.  How does one get gravitas?  Professor Leggett suggested to reflect more deeply on our experiences – professional, social, or personal—and learn from them.  Another tip he gave was to have good listening skills.  “Overcome impatience,” he advised, “because it hinders good listening and thoughtful speaking and objective decision-making.”  He stressed the significance of energy, enthusiasm, and concern for our audience when we share ideas.   

Margaret Thatcher

      Professor Leggett cited that it is very important to learn how to nurture nature. This means cultivating what we already have, especially our knowledge, making it more extensive and intensive.  Working on all these means winning and losing at times or, succeeding and failing.  Examples he gave of known leaders with charisma and gravitas although they differ in personality were John F. Kennedy, Mahatma Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher, and Bill Clinton. 

               
                  I got reminded of Avon’s ‘Charisma’—a perfume launched in the seventies.  It became very popular and was then available in small red roulette bottles and jars.   Using the perfume can make you smell good and surely, can also make you feel good.  Charisma surely attracts but the genuine charisma of a complete man--a person with gravitas--can outlasts his life and will continue to inspire and hold its sway on people beyond his time.