The thing that is most powerful about dignity is that when we honor the dignity of others, and we connect to the dignity of others it can break down the barriers of distrust and it gives us the opportunity to have impact on another person’s life no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, or background. As a nurse for thirty years, I have interacted with people from all different backgrounds. During my time as a nurse, I had to learn the importance of what it means to treat people with dignity. I am ashamed to admit it, but I allowed my biases to dictate how I delivered care. This mindset poured into my everyday life, and I will tell you it is hard to have empathy when you are blinded by the clouds of bias and judgement. I do not know what changed for me in the last fifteen years, but it was probably the combination of experiences I had which allowed me to have an open enough mind to read Dr. Donna Hicks’ PhD book on “Leading with Dignity” and begin to understand the power dignity has in not only changing the lives of others but also by changing the direction of your life.
Recently I ran into someone who I caused harm too. It was not physical harm but emotional harm, but that distinction doesn’t make what I did less wrong. This person saw me as a mentor. He saw me as an example of what he wanted to strive for. I did not handle this responsibility well. My actions led to him quitting his job and changing his career. In our short meeting he reminded me of that moment I walked all over his dignity and that it took a long time for him to recover. I was able to apologize to him. I told him I was wrong and asked for his forgiveness. I told him I have been working hard not to be that person ever again. I was trying to make up for the pain I caused him and others. We shook hands and he went on his way. I think it was fate’s way of reminding me to keep my eye on the prize.
I have two great friends who have been one of the many blessings in my life. They reminded me of the difference I made for them when I was their leader. When I speak about those times, I will always say the team made the journey and that we could not have done it without each other. I tell them that they made me a better leader and person. They were the start of my dignity journey. I also understand as another wonderful friend reminds me “It all comes down to leadership.” I learned the impact one person can have that can help a team move mountains. You must believe in them, and they must believe in you. That team had an impact on me that still drives me today and I hope I have done the same for them.
I have been blessed in my life because I have been given the opportunity to touch lives. I pray a lot for all people who have struggles and challenges. I have committed my life to giving them a voice. I am not a superhero. I am just a regular person who wants to give back for the blessings I have been given. It is the legacy I hope to leave, and I hope will carry on for generations.
“You only win when you maintain your dignity.” — Dr. Donald Shirley
From the movie “Green Book”
Charles Redd RN
Dignity Freedom Fighter
Dignity Freedom Fighter 