HERBISM #62 – Great Leaders Have Dignity Consciousness

I had the privilege and honor to meet Donna Hicks, Ph.D. and to hear her as she shared insights from her research around dignity and what dignity really is. Dignity is such a simple attribute that is largely misunderstood and often violated out of ignorance. I had an epiphany as a result of what she shared, together with a deepening of my dignity consciousness. My leadership will be forever enhanced as a result. Thanks Donna.

From Leading with Dignity (Donna Hicks):

Regardless if our concern is leading our personal lives or leading an organization, a key to being successful is dignity coconsciousness: a deep connection to our inherent value and worth and the vulnerability that we all share to having our dignity violated.

But dignity is not the same as respect. Dignity is an attribute that we are born with—it is our inherent value and worth. Respect is different. Although everyone has dignity, not everyone deserves respect. Respect must be earned. Dignity is something we all deserve, no matter what we do. It is the starting point for the way we treat one another.

Dignity is the source of priceless power—it enables us to develop mutually beneficial connections to others and to create positive change in our relationships.

In my research, I have found that one of the most pervasive violations of dignity is that people do not feel safe to speak up with they feel they are not treated well, especially by their managers and supervisors.

One of the necessities of hierarchical organizational structures is the concentration of power in the hands of a few at the top. There is nothing inherently wrong with hierarchies, but if those who are in leadership positions don’t understand dignity, power can easily be abused and misused.

One of the greatest temptations that leaders have to avoid is believing in their superiority. This is where dignity provides a counterbalance, for we may differ in status, but we are all equal in dignity.

Leading with dignity demands that we pay close attention to the effects we have on others. Without such knowledge, relationship problems that plaque the workplace will continue.

Understanding the powerful forces that are unleashed with a violation of dignity (anger, resentment, and the desire for revenge) as well as when dignity is honored (love, loyalty, and the desire to give of oneself freely) will make it easy for leaders to do what is right.

When such consciousness is part of a leader’s repertoire, not only do people thrive, but the organization thrives right along with them.

~ Donna Hicks, Ph.D.