This article was written by Jane Firth and Andrea Zintz
Even without having a management or leadership title, you are having an
impact on the people you work with. We’ve identified the qualities that are
important: grit, grace, and gravitas.
1. What is Grit?
Grit is when you push yourself to overcome obstacles to the desired finish
line. But grit can become out of balance. For instance, too little grit can
stop you from saying “yes” to opportunities that could benefit from your
leadership. Or, too much grit can have you come across as pushy and
insensitive. Learning to use the qualities of grace changes the impact of
your grit for the better.
2. What is Gravitas?
Gravitas refers to the depth of your knowledge and experience to date. Just
like with grit, gravitas can become out of balance. For instance, too little
gravitas can affect your self-confidence. Instead of developing skills that
increase your confidence, you compare yourself to others and find yourself
lacking. Too much gravitas can have you thinking you are better than others.
To stand out, you behave in ways that diminish others or take credit, and
status away from others. With grace balancing gravitas, a more generous
mindset becomes available.
3. Grace is the Game Changer
What is grace and why does it matter? It changes your impact for the
better. The skills and qualities of grace are rooted in using power
constructively. Constructive power is always within our reach.
Let’s start with how grace helps us deal with difficult situations. Think of
a recent time your emotions were triggered at work. For instance, maybe
someone criticized you in front of everyone in a meeting and you felt
embarrassed. Or perhaps you felt upset because you were passed over for
something you thought you deserved. Maybe you felt frustrated in trying to
explain something you were trying to get across to someone. Rather than
struggle at the moment, find fault with yourself or blame someone else,
grace gives you compassionate permission to take time to gather your
thoughts. Grace helps you understand the emotions you feel, regain your
composure, and find the clarity you need to more effectively deal with what
happened.
Grace helps us lead with compassion, energy, and inspiration. Developing
critical social skills, such as:
. Listening to understand with focused attention,
. Having greater empathy for ourselves and others, and
. Understanding how to earn and engender trust; it’s important to help
others feel safe with you.
When you infuse the skills and qualities of grace into your approaches,
behaviors, into the quality of how you connect with people, and into your
demeanor, extraordinary things become possible.
Hear more from Jane and Andrea:
Now Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble! Grit, Grace and Gravitas: The Three Keys to Transforming Leadership, Presence, and Impact.
