The Magic of Professional Gravitas

CHICAGOLAWBULLETIN.COM MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2014

Volume 160, No. 167 The magic of professional gravitas

ince I started this business worlds. our approach in real time. column nearly three As with other things which Maintaining a high level of years ago, I have defy a clear-cut explanation, you PARADIGM SHIFT engagement in these situations is discussed a variety of know it when you see it. People an important element of topics which address with gravitas exude success, an gravitas. Sthe evolution of the legal profes - air of authority and leadership Developing and maintaining sion and the disruptive forces and command respect. They are gravitas takes a lot of hard work. profoundly changing the way in effective communicators and There is an age-old debate about which we practice law. they garner credibility and CHRISTINA whether it is something we are Together, we have explored convey a wisdom often attribut - L. M ARTINI born with. As with most things in ways in which we can weather able to both age and experience. life, there are those who seem to this permanent instability by They have a level of confi - effortlessly demonstrate bettering ourselves as profes - dence which is readily perceived Christina L. Martini is a practicing gravitas, whereas others have a sionals and as people and by by others, yet without attorney, author and columnist. She is more difficult time with it. developing and harnessing those projecting a sense of arrogance. vice chair of the Chicago intellectual Regardless of which camp we qualities and characteristics Those with gravitas are property practice group at DLA Piper are in, everyone can take steps in which help make us uniquely authentic and align what they and has been in private practice since developing and harnessing valuable to our clients and in the say with how they think and 1994. She focuses her practice on gravitas. Working with profes - domestic and international marketplace. what they do, which makes their trademark, copyright, domain name, sionals such as executive coaches I recently examined the lika - communications with others Internet, advertising and unfair and soliciting honest, frank bility factor and how it affects much more powerful and competition law. She frequently speaks feedback from friends and our ability to understand and impactful. They project selfless - and writes regarding the legal and colleagues about our personal relate to others. While it is an ness as their way of being, business landscapes and appears effectiveness and our strengths important component of the rather than selfishness. monthly in Chicago Lawyer magazine and weaknesses can be effective overall package we offer clients, There are a number of as a columnist of “Inside Out.” tools in our development. it is only one of any number of different components to gravitas. You can reach her at We also need to recognize that skills which are critically First, there is a certain level of [email protected]. gravitas is not about bowling important in our ability to mean - substantive knowledge, intellec - others over with how great we ingfully distinguish ourselves tual horsepower and focus which many examples of how we are. Rather, it is in the process of from the competition. is critical in establishing exhibit gravitas. meaningfully connecting and A close cousin to likability is gravitas. We are able to success - Being a great communicator is making a positive difference, and gravitas. It is often used inter - fully leverage our strengths but also an essential ingredient. This in being kind and generous in the changeably with words such as also recognize the limits of what means that we are able to take service of others, that our true charisma and executive we know and understand what our knowledge and insight and essence, our gravitas, shines presence. The Oxford Dictionary we don’t know, which allows us successfully and passionately through. Whether we are born defines it as “dignity, seriousness to seek the assistance of others convey them to others in an with it or are cultivating it from or solemnity of manner” and, as needed. This serves the inspiring way. We wholeheart - scratch, we must always look for according to the Urban greater good and is key in main - edly believe in what we say and ways to improve ourselves and Dictionary, it is “strength of taining our credibility. say what we believe. our skills. character, self-esteem, confi - Our appearance and We are persuasive and project Gravitas is not just for politi - dence.” Wikipedia mentions that demeanor, which include how we confidence and composure in our cians, newscasters and the C- it is one of the Roman virtues, look, dress and present ourselves oral and written communica - suite anymore. Indeed, it has along with pietas, dignitas and in both formal and informal tions. When we have a healthy become increasingly important virtus and that it “conveys a settings, are also important. dose of emotional intelligence, for all professionals, and lawyers certain substance or depth of There is a level of assertiveness we have the tools to take these in particular. Having gravitas personality.” and self-assuredness which goes communications to an even helps to inspire the trust, confi - Notwithstanding the fact that hand in hand with gravitas, and higher level, since we are finely dence and peace of mind of it is defined in any number of these are inextricably linked with attuned to ourselves and others. clients. ways, gravitas still remains a bit our posture, body language and We are keenly aware of our Given the continued flat of a conundrum. Historically, the level of engagement when inter - audience in any given situation demand for legal services, clients term has mainly been used in the acting with others. and understand the various are always seeking meaningful political realm, but, as it has Maintaining eye contact, points of view. differentiators among their become an increasingly main - having a firm handshake, deliv - We hear both what is said and various service providers. stream concept, it is often ering effective presentations and unsaid and are able to read the Gravitas is often part of that applied in other contexts, projecting our voice when room for clues and suggestions “secret sauce” in the recipe for including in the media and speaking are just a few of the on how to make adjustments to effectiveness and success.