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Leading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture That Brings Out the Best in People
What every leader needs to know about dignity and how to create a culture in which everyone thrives
This landmark book from an expert in dignity studies explores the essential but underrecognized role of dignity as part of good leadership. Extending the reach of her award-winning book Dignity: Its Essential Role in Resolving Conflict, Donna Hicks now contributes a specific, practical guide to achieving a culture of dignity.
Most people know very little about dignity, the author has found, and when leaders fail to respect the dignity of others, conflict and distrust ensue. Hicks highlights three components of leading with dignity: what one must know in order to honor dignity and avoid violating it; what one must do to lead with dignity; and how one can create a culture of dignity in any organization, whether corporate, religious, governmental, healthcare, or beyond. Brimming with key research findings, real-life case studies, and workable recommendations, this book fills an important gap in our understanding of how best to be together in a conflict-ridden world.
This landmark book from an expert in dignity studies explores the essential but underrecognized role of dignity as part of good leadership. Extending the reach of her award-winning book Dignity: Its Essential Role in Resolving Conflict, Donna Hicks now contributes a specific, practical guide to achieving a culture of dignity.
Most people know very little about dignity, the author has found, and when leaders fail to respect the dignity of others, conflict and distrust ensue. Hicks highlights three components of leading with dignity: what one must know in order to honor dignity and avoid violating it; what one must do to lead with dignity; and how one can create a culture of dignity in any organization, whether corporate, religious, governmental, healthcare, or beyond. Brimming with key research findings, real-life case studies, and workable recommendations, this book fills an important gap in our understanding of how best to be together in a conflict-ridden world.
240 pages, Paperback
Published October 8, 2019
117 people are currently reading
873 people want to read
About the author
Donna Hicks
9 books15 followersDonna Hicks, Ph.D. is an associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, Harvard University. As a conflict resolution specialist, she has facilitated diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and other high-conflict regions and conducted numerous training seminars worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 9, 2022
Started strong, lost me in the middle, but brought it home with really great concrete advice about hard conversations and conflict.
August 31, 2018
Universally useful management, relationship and life advice. Borrowed this as an audiobook from the library, would like to read the print version and take notes next time.
February 24, 2020
This was a very good book, well-researched, about using dignity studies and the emphasis on dignity to build an organization's culture.
November 10, 2025
Everyone in a leadership role (regardless of your title) should read this book! Treating yourself and others with dignity is not natural. We need to learn, and this book is 100% valuable in helping us learn this.
December 24, 2018
Donna Hicks’s application of a dignity model on life and work is really compelling. Very good read. Slightly repetitive so allows you to scan parts but great message about our need to embrace our own dignity and the dignity of others and to strive for things bigger than ourselves.
January 17, 2024
A must-read for organizational leaders.
May 14, 2024
This is a helpful book about dignity--our inherent value and worth. We need to recognize that in ourselves and others and treat each other accordingly, in all situations and circumstances. Our connections and relationships with others are important. Here are some quotes that I liked:
"The issues that were dividing the employees and management of the company were dignity related (p. ix)."
"Although significant and complex forces always contribute to the breakdown of relationships, the extent to which leaders pay attention to, recognize, and understand the dignity concerns underlying people's grievances makes an enormous difference as to whether these conflicts can be resolved (p. x)."
"Most people do not have a working knowledge of dignity (p. x)."
"We all want to be treated in ways that show we matter, and when we are not treated that way, we suffer (p. x)."
"'The most exciting breakthroughs of the twenty-first century will not occur because of technology, but because of an expanding concept of what it means to be human' (John Naisbitt, p. 1)."
"Dignity is not the same as respect. Dignity, I argue, is an attribute that we are born with--it is our inherent value and worth... We were all born worthy (p. 2)."
"When we honor the dignity of others, it creates a sense of safety between us; people feel free to make themselves vulnerable, free to reveal their true selves (p. 3)."
"Knowing that we have dignity and that it is always with us allows us to be more vulnerable with others, take risks, and speak the truth (p. 5)."
"The transformation that occurs with a consciousness of dignity helps us gain perspective... enables us to see our blind spots and ways in which we are held back from living life in full extension--expressing all of our talents, fulfilling deep connections with others and engaging in a life that has meaning and purpose (p. 7)."
"Without consciousness of dignity, it is more than likely that at some point resentment and distrust will prevail (p. 8)."
"Leading with dignity demands that we pay close attention to the effects we have on others (p. 9)."
"We all have a part to play in preserving the health and well-being of the work environment (P. 10)."
"What do I need to do to show people that I care? How do I know if I am treating them with dignity (p. 11)?"
"What does it look like to treat people with dignity (p. 15)?"
"Ten elements of dignity...
* Acceptance of identity. Approach people as being neither inferior nor superior to you...
* Recognition. Validate others for their talents, hard work, thoughtfulness, and help...
* Acknowledgment. Give people your full attention...
* Inclusion. Make others feel that they belong...
* Safety. Put people at ease physically... and psychologically...
* Fairness. Treat people justly, with equality...
* Independence. Empower people to act on their own behalf so they feel in control of their lives...
* Understanding. Believe that what others think matters...
* Benefit of the doubt. Treat people as if they are trustworthy...
* Accountability. Take responsibility for your actions (p. 16)."
"We all yearn to be treated with dignity (p. 21)."
"Because our brains have evolved to seek connections with others, when relationships break down, it causes great distress (p. 22)."
"Even though our brains are wired with a deep desire for connection, we aren't necessarily wired to know how to sustain it (p. 24)."
"If we're going to lead people, we'd better understand them (p. 24)."
"When we honor others' dignity, we strengthen our own (p. 25)."
"Create an open and trusting environment where employees are acknowledged and recognized for their good work, and treat them in a way that enhances their self-worth and the worth of others (p. 27)."
"We are, first and foremost, defined by being a member of the human species (p. 29)."
"Ten temptations to violate dignity...
* Taking the bait...
* Saving face...
* Shirking responsibility...
* Depending on false dignity...
* Maintaining false security...
* Avoiding confrontation...
* Assuming innocent victimhood...
* Resisting feedback...
* Blaming and shaming others...
* Gossiping and promoting false intimacy (p. 32)."
"People are more motivated to protect their reputations than to ensure that the truth becomes known (p. 32)."
"Inner conflict is one of the hallmarks of being human (p. 34)."
"'Our task must be to free ourselves from that prison by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty' (Albert Einstein, p. 38)."
"I think dignity is given to all of us as a sacred trust (p. 40)."
"Dignity can be summed up in the following way: it is about connection, connection, and connection (p. 40)."
"'What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us' (Ralph Waldo Emerson, p. 46)."
"They need to open themselves up to new learning (p. 48)."
"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them' (Albert Einstein, p. 49)."
"What might we be doing to contribute to the problem (p. 49)?"
"Without healthy relationships, without repeated doses of love and attention, anyone could get trapped into thinking that because others mistreat them, they must not be worthy (p. 53)."
"The power of dignity is something we need to be made aware of, to be responsible for, and to rejoice in (p. 57)."
"Dignity, respect, and kindness are the foundational elements on which their classroom communities are built (p. 63)."
"They have become more empathic toward others and aware of their inherent value (p. 64)."
"Understanding the complexity of every individual allows us to cultivate empathy and perspective-taking (p. 67)."
"We use the concept of dignity as a platform to teach students how to engage in difficult conversations (p. 68)."
"We are born with dignity; we're just not born knowing how to act like it (p. 69)."
"Overcoming our hardwired instincts to protect ourselves from looking bad in the eyes of others is difficult (p. 82)."
"'Vulnerability is the core, the heart, the center, of meaningful human experiences' (Brene Brown, p. 83)."
"Helping people develop their capacity to connect with one another in a way that promotes mutual growth and well-being is a tall order (p. 84)."
"Why is being open to feedback important for leaders to demonstrate and model (p. 88)?"
"It is critical for people in leadership positions to understand the distinction between intentions and impact (p. 89)."
"We know what courage it takes to not be defensive and to hold oneself accountable (p. 91)."
"'Trust is the lubrication that makes it possible for organizations to work' (Warren Bennis, p. 93)."
"Research has shown that when people trust each other at work because their relationships are strong, they are more committed to the organization and more willing to make a positive contribution (p. 93)."
"Trust is necessary for authentic relationships (p. 94)."
"When people feel trust in someone, a brain chemical called oxytocin is produced. This chemical signals that a person is safe to approach (p. 97)."
"Intentionally build relationships. When people are encouraged to develop good relationships at work, their performance improves (p. 98)."
"'Self-absorption in all its forms kills empathy, let alone compassion. When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. But when we focus on others, our world expands. Our own problems drift to the periphery of the mind and so seem smaller, and we increase our capacity for connection--or compassionate action' (Daniel Goleman, p. 100)."
"Without empathy, relationships suffer (p. 101)."
"They blame a failure to empathize on many social ills such as racism, conflict, and violence of all kinds (p. 101)."
"We should try to treat everyone as we would those we love (p. 103)."
"It appears that we can turn our capacity for empathy on or off, depending on when we choose to do so (p. 103)."
"'Few practical ideas are more obvious or more critical than the need to get perspective in the midst of action' (Ronald Heifetz, p. 108)."
"Whether we are conscious of it or not, our early experiences of having our dignity violated, if left unaddressed and unhealed, can have a lasting effect on the health of our inner worlds as adults (P. 111)."
"'The price of greatness is responsibility' (Winston Churchill, p. 116)."
"It takes courage to admit to being wrong (p. 116)."
"The capacity to take responsibility for our actions rests on a foundation of knowledge about the human experience (p. 117)."
"Along with courage, taking responsibility for our actions requires being grounded in the knowledge of your worth (p. 117)."
"Taking responsibility for one's actions affects all three dignity connections... the connection to your own dignity, the connection to the dignity of others, and finally, the connection to the dignity of something greater than yourself (p. 122)."
"Awareness of the three Cs guides our actions, forcing us to be more humble and less focused on protecting and caring for just our own well-being (p. 123)."
"The humility that is required to see ourselves as part of the whole, instead of the whole itself, frees us from the shackles of arrogance, narcissism, and narrow self-interest (p. 124)."
"It takes a humble, responsible leader to not only create safe environments where people can be vulnerable, but also cultivate trust, recognize the need to 'head to the balcony,' act in ways that show a lifelong commitment to learning, show empathy, and take responsibility for the harm that he or she has caused others (p. 124)."
"'Can we create soulful workplaces--schools, hospitals, businesses, and nonprofits--where our talents can blossom and our callings can be honored? (Frederic Laloux, p. 127)"
"I needed to step up on the balcony to get a broader perspective on what else was contributing to the conflicts (p. 128)."
"Dignity education requires learning both interpersonal skills... as well as systemic applications (p. 129)."
"To establish an organization-wide culture of dignity, everyone needs to be on board (p. 129)."
"Engaging everyone in a process of change promotes dignity, give people a sense that their jobs are contributing to something meaningful, and appeals to our human desire for community (p. 131)."
"The fear of looking bad in the eyes of others is a direct consequence of being ignorant of the essential aspects of dignity (p. 131)."
"Dignity education gives leaders the awareness, knowledge, and skills to replace a culture of shaming with a culture that nurtures people's inherent value and worth (p. 132)."
"We need to be willing to trust in the growth process (p. 133)."
"There is always more to know and learn (p. 134)."
"When it comes to dignity, there is no hierarchy (p. 139)."
"How we treat one another matters (p. 149)."
"When someone in a position of authority is disconnected from his dignity, he is most liekly to violate the dignity f those around him (p. 150)."
"Dignity violations are more than a feeling (p. 159)."
"Healthy relationships do not handle conflicts by avoiding them (p. 164)."
"Without an accurate assessment of what is creating and fueling the problem, the solution will not lead to an enduring end to the conflict (p. 170)."
"We are a company that recognizes that conflict is a normal occurrence and is a useful signal of the need for change (p. 177)."
"The dignity of each one of us is interdependent with the dignity of others with whom we work and whom we serve (p. 178)."
"People's commitment to ideals such as truthfulness, humility, and faithfulness play a significant role in moral decision-making (p. 180)."
"'Being spiritual implies a loving connection to our fellow human beings, to our world, to someone or something larger than ourselves' (p. 189)."
"Love has force... It is a force that can be used or wasted. The time has come to mobilize the forces of love and dignity and bring an end to preventable human suffering (p. 189)."
"The issues that were dividing the employees and management of the company were dignity related (p. ix)."
"Although significant and complex forces always contribute to the breakdown of relationships, the extent to which leaders pay attention to, recognize, and understand the dignity concerns underlying people's grievances makes an enormous difference as to whether these conflicts can be resolved (p. x)."
"Most people do not have a working knowledge of dignity (p. x)."
"We all want to be treated in ways that show we matter, and when we are not treated that way, we suffer (p. x)."
"'The most exciting breakthroughs of the twenty-first century will not occur because of technology, but because of an expanding concept of what it means to be human' (John Naisbitt, p. 1)."
"Dignity is not the same as respect. Dignity, I argue, is an attribute that we are born with--it is our inherent value and worth... We were all born worthy (p. 2)."
"When we honor the dignity of others, it creates a sense of safety between us; people feel free to make themselves vulnerable, free to reveal their true selves (p. 3)."
"Knowing that we have dignity and that it is always with us allows us to be more vulnerable with others, take risks, and speak the truth (p. 5)."
"The transformation that occurs with a consciousness of dignity helps us gain perspective... enables us to see our blind spots and ways in which we are held back from living life in full extension--expressing all of our talents, fulfilling deep connections with others and engaging in a life that has meaning and purpose (p. 7)."
"Without consciousness of dignity, it is more than likely that at some point resentment and distrust will prevail (p. 8)."
"Leading with dignity demands that we pay close attention to the effects we have on others (p. 9)."
"We all have a part to play in preserving the health and well-being of the work environment (P. 10)."
"What do I need to do to show people that I care? How do I know if I am treating them with dignity (p. 11)?"
"What does it look like to treat people with dignity (p. 15)?"
"Ten elements of dignity...
* Acceptance of identity. Approach people as being neither inferior nor superior to you...
* Recognition. Validate others for their talents, hard work, thoughtfulness, and help...
* Acknowledgment. Give people your full attention...
* Inclusion. Make others feel that they belong...
* Safety. Put people at ease physically... and psychologically...
* Fairness. Treat people justly, with equality...
* Independence. Empower people to act on their own behalf so they feel in control of their lives...
* Understanding. Believe that what others think matters...
* Benefit of the doubt. Treat people as if they are trustworthy...
* Accountability. Take responsibility for your actions (p. 16)."
"We all yearn to be treated with dignity (p. 21)."
"Because our brains have evolved to seek connections with others, when relationships break down, it causes great distress (p. 22)."
"Even though our brains are wired with a deep desire for connection, we aren't necessarily wired to know how to sustain it (p. 24)."
"If we're going to lead people, we'd better understand them (p. 24)."
"When we honor others' dignity, we strengthen our own (p. 25)."
"Create an open and trusting environment where employees are acknowledged and recognized for their good work, and treat them in a way that enhances their self-worth and the worth of others (p. 27)."
"We are, first and foremost, defined by being a member of the human species (p. 29)."
"Ten temptations to violate dignity...
* Taking the bait...
* Saving face...
* Shirking responsibility...
* Depending on false dignity...
* Maintaining false security...
* Avoiding confrontation...
* Assuming innocent victimhood...
* Resisting feedback...
* Blaming and shaming others...
* Gossiping and promoting false intimacy (p. 32)."
"People are more motivated to protect their reputations than to ensure that the truth becomes known (p. 32)."
"Inner conflict is one of the hallmarks of being human (p. 34)."
"'Our task must be to free ourselves from that prison by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty' (Albert Einstein, p. 38)."
"I think dignity is given to all of us as a sacred trust (p. 40)."
"Dignity can be summed up in the following way: it is about connection, connection, and connection (p. 40)."
"'What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us' (Ralph Waldo Emerson, p. 46)."
"They need to open themselves up to new learning (p. 48)."
"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them' (Albert Einstein, p. 49)."
"What might we be doing to contribute to the problem (p. 49)?"
"Without healthy relationships, without repeated doses of love and attention, anyone could get trapped into thinking that because others mistreat them, they must not be worthy (p. 53)."
"The power of dignity is something we need to be made aware of, to be responsible for, and to rejoice in (p. 57)."
"Dignity, respect, and kindness are the foundational elements on which their classroom communities are built (p. 63)."
"They have become more empathic toward others and aware of their inherent value (p. 64)."
"Understanding the complexity of every individual allows us to cultivate empathy and perspective-taking (p. 67)."
"We use the concept of dignity as a platform to teach students how to engage in difficult conversations (p. 68)."
"We are born with dignity; we're just not born knowing how to act like it (p. 69)."
"Overcoming our hardwired instincts to protect ourselves from looking bad in the eyes of others is difficult (p. 82)."
"'Vulnerability is the core, the heart, the center, of meaningful human experiences' (Brene Brown, p. 83)."
"Helping people develop their capacity to connect with one another in a way that promotes mutual growth and well-being is a tall order (p. 84)."
"Why is being open to feedback important for leaders to demonstrate and model (p. 88)?"
"It is critical for people in leadership positions to understand the distinction between intentions and impact (p. 89)."
"We know what courage it takes to not be defensive and to hold oneself accountable (p. 91)."
"'Trust is the lubrication that makes it possible for organizations to work' (Warren Bennis, p. 93)."
"Research has shown that when people trust each other at work because their relationships are strong, they are more committed to the organization and more willing to make a positive contribution (p. 93)."
"Trust is necessary for authentic relationships (p. 94)."
"When people feel trust in someone, a brain chemical called oxytocin is produced. This chemical signals that a person is safe to approach (p. 97)."
"Intentionally build relationships. When people are encouraged to develop good relationships at work, their performance improves (p. 98)."
"'Self-absorption in all its forms kills empathy, let alone compassion. When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. But when we focus on others, our world expands. Our own problems drift to the periphery of the mind and so seem smaller, and we increase our capacity for connection--or compassionate action' (Daniel Goleman, p. 100)."
"Without empathy, relationships suffer (p. 101)."
"They blame a failure to empathize on many social ills such as racism, conflict, and violence of all kinds (p. 101)."
"We should try to treat everyone as we would those we love (p. 103)."
"It appears that we can turn our capacity for empathy on or off, depending on when we choose to do so (p. 103)."
"'Few practical ideas are more obvious or more critical than the need to get perspective in the midst of action' (Ronald Heifetz, p. 108)."
"Whether we are conscious of it or not, our early experiences of having our dignity violated, if left unaddressed and unhealed, can have a lasting effect on the health of our inner worlds as adults (P. 111)."
"'The price of greatness is responsibility' (Winston Churchill, p. 116)."
"It takes courage to admit to being wrong (p. 116)."
"The capacity to take responsibility for our actions rests on a foundation of knowledge about the human experience (p. 117)."
"Along with courage, taking responsibility for our actions requires being grounded in the knowledge of your worth (p. 117)."
"Taking responsibility for one's actions affects all three dignity connections... the connection to your own dignity, the connection to the dignity of others, and finally, the connection to the dignity of something greater than yourself (p. 122)."
"Awareness of the three Cs guides our actions, forcing us to be more humble and less focused on protecting and caring for just our own well-being (p. 123)."
"The humility that is required to see ourselves as part of the whole, instead of the whole itself, frees us from the shackles of arrogance, narcissism, and narrow self-interest (p. 124)."
"It takes a humble, responsible leader to not only create safe environments where people can be vulnerable, but also cultivate trust, recognize the need to 'head to the balcony,' act in ways that show a lifelong commitment to learning, show empathy, and take responsibility for the harm that he or she has caused others (p. 124)."
"'Can we create soulful workplaces--schools, hospitals, businesses, and nonprofits--where our talents can blossom and our callings can be honored? (Frederic Laloux, p. 127)"
"I needed to step up on the balcony to get a broader perspective on what else was contributing to the conflicts (p. 128)."
"Dignity education requires learning both interpersonal skills... as well as systemic applications (p. 129)."
"To establish an organization-wide culture of dignity, everyone needs to be on board (p. 129)."
"Engaging everyone in a process of change promotes dignity, give people a sense that their jobs are contributing to something meaningful, and appeals to our human desire for community (p. 131)."
"The fear of looking bad in the eyes of others is a direct consequence of being ignorant of the essential aspects of dignity (p. 131)."
"Dignity education gives leaders the awareness, knowledge, and skills to replace a culture of shaming with a culture that nurtures people's inherent value and worth (p. 132)."
"We need to be willing to trust in the growth process (p. 133)."
"There is always more to know and learn (p. 134)."
"When it comes to dignity, there is no hierarchy (p. 139)."
"How we treat one another matters (p. 149)."
"When someone in a position of authority is disconnected from his dignity, he is most liekly to violate the dignity f those around him (p. 150)."
"Dignity violations are more than a feeling (p. 159)."
"Healthy relationships do not handle conflicts by avoiding them (p. 164)."
"Without an accurate assessment of what is creating and fueling the problem, the solution will not lead to an enduring end to the conflict (p. 170)."
"We are a company that recognizes that conflict is a normal occurrence and is a useful signal of the need for change (p. 177)."
"The dignity of each one of us is interdependent with the dignity of others with whom we work and whom we serve (p. 178)."
"People's commitment to ideals such as truthfulness, humility, and faithfulness play a significant role in moral decision-making (p. 180)."
"'Being spiritual implies a loving connection to our fellow human beings, to our world, to someone or something larger than ourselves' (p. 189)."
"Love has force... It is a force that can be used or wasted. The time has come to mobilize the forces of love and dignity and bring an end to preventable human suffering (p. 189)."
January 24, 2019
Simply one of the most influential books of my life. A roadmap for how we all should live and love. Simple but not easy, backed by science - it is not a self-help book, but it WILL help you have better relationships with yourself, with others and with your community. Treating others with dignity is a form of self care. This is a MUST READ!
September 5, 2021
3.5 - it would have been a 4 except for the end, which was chapter after chapter of the author extolling the virtues of teaching people her dignity systems.
As a Christian, it was interesting reading this book because the concept of dignity - the inherent worthiness that exists in all human beings - is a Judeo-Christian one. It is the belief in the Imago Dei. Not that we ARE divine, like some Eastern religions, but that we have an imprint of the nature of God on us.
It is congruent, then, that what Dr. Hicks sees as dignity violations (both for ourselves and others) is what the Bible would call sin. Failing to live up to our design, to our dignity.
She does a great job talking about taking responsibility for one's actions, but without a robust understanding of sin, judgment, mercy, and grace, it isn't quite as deep.
Of course Dr. Hicks would probably not say that this is a biblical concept and probably bristle at the connection to Christian theology, but I found it striking. One drawback of the fact that she doesn't see this as spiritual is her lack of OTHER language. The word "dignity' appears in this book without synonym, because she would say there is no synonym. I would argue that a connection to theology wouldn't just make her concepts stronger, it would make her writing better.
Still, as is, I enjoyed it!
As a Christian, it was interesting reading this book because the concept of dignity - the inherent worthiness that exists in all human beings - is a Judeo-Christian one. It is the belief in the Imago Dei. Not that we ARE divine, like some Eastern religions, but that we have an imprint of the nature of God on us.
It is congruent, then, that what Dr. Hicks sees as dignity violations (both for ourselves and others) is what the Bible would call sin. Failing to live up to our design, to our dignity.
She does a great job talking about taking responsibility for one's actions, but without a robust understanding of sin, judgment, mercy, and grace, it isn't quite as deep.
Of course Dr. Hicks would probably not say that this is a biblical concept and probably bristle at the connection to Christian theology, but I found it striking. One drawback of the fact that she doesn't see this as spiritual is her lack of OTHER language. The word "dignity' appears in this book without synonym, because she would say there is no synonym. I would argue that a connection to theology wouldn't just make her concepts stronger, it would make her writing better.
Still, as is, I enjoyed it!
May 22, 2019
I have not read her original book, but I very much enjoyed this one.
This is a recommended read for anyone who manages people. Or actually, anyone who is managed by people too. Both sides of the relationship could benefit from knowledge of dignity and how it's violated in the workplace.
The author makes a good argument for dignity education. It's an involved process that I'm not sure a lot of managers/organizations would be able to commit to, but overall, it sounds really worthwhile, especially for organizations with conflict and communication problems.
The examples in the book are good real-world situations that I found relatable and easy to understand.
That said, sometimes it feels like the information comes from a very privileged place that does not necessarily fully take into account how people from historically marginalized populations are treated at work and in society.
Overall, an excellent read, although difficult to implement the concepts.
Edit: I just finished reading it a second time before starting leadership training, in hopes of having something more to bring to the table. It was worth the reread.
This is a recommended read for anyone who manages people. Or actually, anyone who is managed by people too. Both sides of the relationship could benefit from knowledge of dignity and how it's violated in the workplace.
The author makes a good argument for dignity education. It's an involved process that I'm not sure a lot of managers/organizations would be able to commit to, but overall, it sounds really worthwhile, especially for organizations with conflict and communication problems.
The examples in the book are good real-world situations that I found relatable and easy to understand.
That said, sometimes it feels like the information comes from a very privileged place that does not necessarily fully take into account how people from historically marginalized populations are treated at work and in society.
Overall, an excellent read, although difficult to implement the concepts.
Edit: I just finished reading it a second time before starting leadership training, in hopes of having something more to bring to the table. It was worth the reread.
February 14, 2019
I was introduced to Ms. Hicks and her work on dignity through Whitney Johnson’s “Disrupt Yourself” podcast. I bought the book as a result of hearing her in that interview. This book contains some really profound, moving, and valuable concepts about leading and managing relationships with other people. I really wish, though, I would have read her prior book (“Dignity: Its Essential Role in Resolving Conflict”) before this one. I think having a solid foundation in ‘dignity education’ would have made the leadership applications provided by this book all the more vibrant.
October 10, 2018
Not a bad book per se, but one gets tired of hearing "dignity" every 10 seconds. While some ideas are indeed valuable, overall this books has a strong sales pitch aftertaste. I did finish it, so that gets it to 2 stars.
April 25, 2024
This is a fantastic book about a topic I haven’t thought much about. The way Dr. Hicks explains dignity is clear, and it helped me to recognize times in my life when my dignity has been attacked. Also will help me watch to not harm others’ dignity.
December 24, 2021
An aspirational and inspiring read that offers a lot of scaffolding for thinking about how to practice and lead with dignity in all aspects of our lives. I found, however, that the advice and examples remain somewhat abstract and elusive in that reality is often a whole lot more messy than conflict studies literature can capture or admit. Still, there are gems of wisdom in here that serve as amulets for getting through these strange days charged up and rife with daily contention and mental health breakdowns all around us. "Conflict is created in the absence of love" is a good mantra to play on repeat through this pandemic era. Hicks also encourages readers to "learn how to restrain ourselves from the impulse of self-preservation [defensiveness, condescension, takedowns, cancel culture] and choose to preserve our dignity and the dignity of others instead." She offers some practical language and processes to intervene when conflict emerges but in reality, power plays a huge role in how we choose to address or avoid interpersonal conflict and more of than not, "rigid righteousness" tends to prevail when anyone feels at all threatened — even if by childhood wounds of which others are likely not aware. The reality is that without intentional, guided interventions when it comes to conflict, we have to cope with conflict or even traces of toxicity due to the wide-ranging levels of self-acceptance and self-love in others and ourselves. Confronting and resolving conflict is possible but it takes huge gulps of humility, faith and patience to actually do the work and create new norms. Hicks provides some solid stones to step on along the journey but the work itself is lifelong and results depend so much on the willingness of other players to move the needle on setting new norms and creating a working culture of dignity.
January 9, 2022
This was a great book to begin a new year with. Dr. Hicks brings a fascinating background having worked on international conflict resolution including in Colombia, Northern Ireland, as well as extensive experience working on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She brings the matter of dignity, a central element to the pursuit of peace between opposed parties of a conflict to the world of organizational leadership. She does well to separate dignity from the idea of respect, emphasizing that dignity is inherent value and worth that all people are born with while respect has to be earned. I like her emphasis on how honoring dignity is essential for leaders to bring out the best in their people as they build a culture within an organization. Although this work was published in 2018, it is an interesting lens to think about "the great resignation" that occurred in 2021 and appears to continue in early 2022, with employers needing to do more to keep their people engaged as employees continue to look for the right opportunity to leave their current organization.
March 2, 2021
This is a powerful paradigm shift, in how to see the self and others, a fascinating and particle book. It describes how to deal with conflict, using a dignity framework. First it defines what Dignity is, since most people use this concept , but can rarely define it in a practical sense: according to Donna Hicks Dignity is '..an attribute that we are born with , it is our inherent value and worth'' and something that cannot be taken away from one.
In this book there is also mention of how to approach and resolve conflict situations using the dignity framework, which relies on using the ten points of dignity. These points are :
1. Acceptance of identity
2. Recognition
3. Acknowledgment
4. inclusion
5. Safety
6. fairness
7. independence
8. understanding
9. benefit of the doubt
10. accountability.
In this book there is also mention of how to approach and resolve conflict situations using the dignity framework, which relies on using the ten points of dignity. These points are :
1. Acceptance of identity
2. Recognition
3. Acknowledgment
4. inclusion
5. Safety
6. fairness
7. independence
8. understanding
9. benefit of the doubt
10. accountability.
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April 16, 2023Listen- up business leaders....you want financial success? You want your KPIs met AND exceeded week over week? You might
need to look at your organizational culture, not your balance sheets.
Dignity and success in business can coexist!
Hicks shows us how...and in her evidence based approach she makes the case that you may be leaving great results unclaimed...and if you haven't already ....you may be on your way to losing employees at a staggering rate.
The synergy needed to create/maintain a high- performance culture cannot exist when the individuals in the Organization must endure
repeated assaults/violations of their own
dignity.
need to look at your organizational culture, not your balance sheets.
Dignity and success in business can coexist!
Hicks shows us how...and in her evidence based approach she makes the case that you may be leaving great results unclaimed...and if you haven't already ....you may be on your way to losing employees at a staggering rate.
The synergy needed to create/maintain a high- performance culture cannot exist when the individuals in the Organization must endure
repeated assaults/violations of their own
dignity.
April 11, 2020
A solid book about a very simple but somewhat squishy concept: dignity.
Author doesn't have much business experience, much of her life is dedicated to academia and conflict resolution. However, when she does conflict resolution in the corporate world, she reports that the root cause is almost always about dignity.
The book addresses:
- what a leader needs to do to honor dignity and avoid violating it;
- what you have to do to lead with dignity;
- how one can create a culture of dignity in any organization.
Author doesn't have much business experience, much of her life is dedicated to academia and conflict resolution. However, when she does conflict resolution in the corporate world, she reports that the root cause is almost always about dignity.
The book addresses:
- what a leader needs to do to honor dignity and avoid violating it;
- what you have to do to lead with dignity;
- how one can create a culture of dignity in any organization.
May 30, 2020
Dale Carnegie meets Brene Brown in this fabulous book on leadership and how the dignity of yourself, others, and work place have a large factor in interaction. Hicks does a wonderful job at outlining how we each can take steps to improving our interactions with others while giving clear real-life examples. A must read for all regardless of whether you're a future, current, or never-have-plans-to-be leader.
December 24, 2022
I made it to the end of the second chapter. By then Hicks had barely defined what she means by dignity, let alone started to say something about how to create a culture which brings out the best of people. Instead, she kept repeating how important the topic of dignity is, how powerful her framework is, and how important her research is. I can only wonder how this book has passed any editorial process.
December 28, 2022
I read the author’s books backwards. I read the second book first which peaked my interest to read the first book after i finished this one.
Well written, the author is obviously brilliant. I never realized there is a difference between self respect and having dignity. Dignity is so easy to lose or you damage another’s dignity. I’m a slow reader so it was difficult to digest the concept.
However, for organizations growth or healing this process is a wise investment.
Well written, the author is obviously brilliant. I never realized there is a difference between self respect and having dignity. Dignity is so easy to lose or you damage another’s dignity. I’m a slow reader so it was difficult to digest the concept.
However, for organizations growth or healing this process is a wise investment.
April 29, 2021
My current school's administration is using this. I LOVE that it's included free with Audible Plus. Having a common language to talk to the administration about frustrations is kind of amazing. It also helps that the path of the conversation is mapped out in the book. If everyone's read the book and follows the map ... it can really help.
August 22, 2024
Some good stuff but have not seen it in action yet. Seems to be one of the new trendy education books, so always a little skeptical as many of these books don’t provide any real strategies but she has some good example s sample ways to practice what she was sharing! A few parts went on too long for me and I think she should have covered denial a bit more
February 11, 2019
The author points out and dedicates a lot of space to many obvious cases that only serve as an example to unassertive selfish people. It's better to read Mandela's Long Walk to Freedom, which seems to be the main source of knowledge/philosophy of this book.
January 18, 2020
I didn't think this book was as strong as Donna Hicks's first, and was at times redundant. However, there were some meaningful nuggets in each chapter that are worth thinking about and considering for all people and relationships, though in this context especially for managers and leaders.
July 16, 2020
Extremely well written and researched. In my current career position, this book was recommended as a work resume credit. It was certainly more than I imagined to gain perspective as a leader in my industry! Thank you kindly.
November 10, 2020
A totally different take on leadership, so interpersonal, which really resonated with me. I felt like this one has some very specific and definite take-aways, which most leadership books leave much more nebulous or are unarticulated for those not in an official leadership role.
November 10, 2020
Great book on leadership! This book covers ways in which we can all see our employers, employees, or co-workers from a different perspective. It is very well balanced and contains effective strategies we can all use to help others.
May 1, 2022
There is something about all leadership books that seem to just be the same to me, but there were a number of ideas in this one that I thought were very helpful. If I find at least one good idea in a leadership book, I consider it worth reading.
December 5, 2022
This book was up and down for me. In some parts I was wondering if it was a sales pitch for her seminars and training. In others she used the same company example too many times. However there were some good points made. An interesting topic to think on- dignity.
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