Hello,
Since July of 2020 I have been share this post with many of my friends, family, and colleagues. It is a weekly post I call Dignity Friday. My posts are based on the work of Donna Hicks PhD from her book “Leading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture that Brings out the Best in People”. Dr. Hicks’ work is in conflict resolution, and she worked closely with Nobel Peace Prize Winner Bishop Desmond Tutu during the Northern Ireland and Ireland conflict. This where she learned about dignity, and we want to feel as though we matter. As Dr. Hicks says, “It is our inherent value and worth.” Dignity is something we are born with. Over the next few weeks, I will be discussing the history of the Dignity Model and the 10 Essentials of Dignity.
One of the things I am beginning to learn is that it is great to be passionate about things, but you can also be too passionate. When you are too passionate often you can violate the dignity of others. There are times that we must think before we speak because being right does not give us an open invitation to trample over another person’s dignity. We want our thoughts heard but we also want the thoughts of others to be heard as well.
I recently started a new leadership position. I had just left an organization in which I worked for 18 years. I was very involved in Diversity & Inclusion, so I think my expectations were high when I started my new role. I was eager to make a difference. Well, what I had come to learn was in my excitement I forgot one of the three main principles of dignity. I was not connected to the dignity of others, nor did I connect to the dignity of something higher. Before I can run in like a bull and break everything I must learn about the people and the culture of the organization. What I did at one place my not work at another, but honoring dignity works everywhere.
In my self-evaluation I learned that in order to feel included and have understanding of my thoughts and opinions I had to give this team the benefit of the doubt that they are doing their best and I had to acknowledge that what they think and feel matters. How many times have we got into discussions with friends or families, and we knew our opinion was right and because of that we refuse to listen? I have done it and it never ends well.
What I am saying to myself is as people, as leaders, as family, as friends open your heart and minds to dignity because even when we do not agree it leaves the door open for a stronger and better relationship.
“You only win when you maintain your dignity. Dignity always prevails.” Dr. Don Shirley from the movie Green Book
Charles Redd RN
Your Dignity Freedom Fighter
Dignity Freedom Fighter 