Authentic Gravitas

by Rebecca Newton

Have a powerful impact--by being more like yourself rather than less, through this groundbreaking approach taught at the London School of Economics and companies worldwide.

Organizational psychologist and executive coach Rebecca Newton has found that even her most successful clients still want more of one quality: gravitas. They want their words to carry weight, to have a positive, lasting impact on those around them.

Gravitas can seem like an elusive, intangible quality, but it isn't about adopting the style of another or being someone you're not. Newton draws on extensive research and experience coaching business leaders to show what underpins authentic gravitas and how anyone can develop it. She presents the counterintuitive idea that in order to be valued, we shouldn't spend all our time and energy trying to stand out from the crowd; instead, we should focus on the crowd--connecting with others and understanding their needs in order to make a significant difference.

Newton debunks the myths of gravitas and gives readers the practical tools to develop it by:
* Minimizing the gaps between intention, action, and impact
* Remaining true to yourself while adapting to work successfully with people who have different styles
* Choosing to be courageous regardless of how confident you feel--as you engage in courageous behaviors, confidence naturally builds

Authentic gravitas extends beyond commanding presence in the room during a key meeting; it's about the small things you can do beforehand, during, and in all the spaces in between--to be someone who genuinely adds substantive value in the workplace and beyond.

Genres: Nonfiction, Leadership, Business, Psychology, Self Help, Personal Development

272 pages, Paperback

Published April 4, 2019

Reviews

[Alfie Yee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good book on establishing authetic presence through real and geniune interactions. According to Newton, Gravitas is not posturing, dominance or charisma it is conscious effort in bringing consideration, thought and dignity to your interactions, collaborations and presentations. Overall good book

[Steve Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was Stevo's Business Book of the Week for the week of 3/24, as selected by Stevo's Book Reviews on the Internet. You can find me at http://forums.delphiforums.com/stevo1 or search for me on Google for many more reviews and recommendations.

[Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book undoubtedly contains a lot of good answers and advice, but somehow I found it quite a grating read. I think the main issue is that the term "authentic gravitas" is a naked attempt to coin a phrase that will be Newton's to own/monetise, despite it really being so broad as to be of limited use. Only a quarter or so of the book refers to any qualities that one would consider to be gravitas in the usual sense of the word - all the rest of the chapters are just things that fall under the category of 'good leadership'.

I also found the advice to cut out reading for pleasure in favour of professional development fairly dystopian. I'm sure there are plenty of people who will gain a lot from this book and even feel their lives have improved as a result of following Newton's wisdom, but for me it represents a distasteful privileging of professional productivity over humanity. You might be incredibly good at sitting at a desk for 10 hours a day and delivering 'business', but can anyone say that is a truly authentic way to live?

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's more to gravitas than I always assumed

Authentic Gravitas took me on a journey way beneath the surface of my understanding of work relationships, office politics, and what winning looks like to me personally.

Great complement to all all the books and articles I've studied on emotional intelligence and creative processes.

I came across it by accident and am glad I have it the chance to influence me.

[Katie Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being courageous builds confidence!

[Sally Tsang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about how to make the best contribution and add value to an organisation or workplace, in a way that is congruent with having integrity and being yourself. Aligning impact with intention. Committing to being courageous and curious. How to best collaborate with others. Challenged some of my previous thinking about what being authentic really means, and had lots of useful insights and tips I can to put into practice.

[Adam Zuwerink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book because so many others in this genre are written in a way that demands you conform yourself to whatever traits made the author successful. But Ms. Newton dispels the myth that gravitas is only for uber-confident, extroverted persons, showing us how any person can gain the skills necessary to lead with courage. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for more authentic leadership in their work life.

[Davide · Rating 2 out of 5]

All the concepts described are correct and relevant, no doubt.

But after reading the book, they are simply too many. I have the impression the author reviewed tens of papers on leadership and managerial soft skills, packaged their takeaways in 200+ pages, and slapped a big old "This is Authentic Gravitas®" sticker on the box.

What we get is an attempt to boil the ocean while trying to marketize a new business mantra.

Ultimately, I find it hard to recommed this book, especially since there are so many better titles on this topic, both sharper and more incisive.

[Youssouf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for this type of knowledge for a while, and I finally found it. Good read!

[Diego Kuri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much to be desired.

[Betsy]

Found on the shelves at the Pleasant Hill library

[Eula C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great principles for use in any relationship, not just business. The book is a bit repetitive. It could have been summarized in fewer chapters. Overall, a good book.

[Bill Nielsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Standard fare but I took a couple nuggets away. Mostly about being intentional about my impact on others. It’ll be fun to practice this year.