Dignity Dignity The Essential Role It Plays in Resolving Conflict
Dr. Donna Hicks
Why Dignity?
Universal Source of Well-Being
Universal Source of Suffering
Universal Source of Reconciliation
What is Dignity?
Inherent value and vulnerability.
It’s not something that comes and goes. It is a part of our DNA. We all have it, but we need to learn how to act like it.
It’s our internal barometer indicating how we feel about ourselves
It’s what gets injured when we are treated as if we didn’t matter.
It’s the glue that connects us to others—it’s what makes relationships work.
When dignity is violated…
Image of mandela
Self-Knowledge
Unconditionally worthy of dignity by virtue of one’s
birthright
Internal validation of self-worth
Invulnerable to criticism and judgment
Sense of well-being comes from within
Reflective in social settings
Conditionally worthy-dependent on validation from
others
External validation of self-worth
Vulnerable to criticism & judgment
Seeks praise and approval for sense of well-being
Reactive in social settings
Two Parts of the Self“I” “ME”
Ten Elements of Dignity
Acceptance of Identity
Recognition
Acknowledgement
Inclusion
Safety
Fairness
Independence
Understanding
Benefit of the Doubt
Accountability
Ten Temptations to Violate Dignity
Don’t Take The Bait
Don’t Save Face
Don’t Shirk Responsibility
Don’t Be Lured By False Dignity
Don’t Be Lured By False Security
Don’t Just Sit There And Take It
Don’t Assume You Are The Innocent Victim
Don’t Resist Feedback From Others
Don’t Blame And Shame Others
Don’t Be Lured By False Intimacy
Donna Hicks
Harvard UniversityWeatherhead Center for International
Affairs
www.DeclareDignity.comwww.DrDonnaHicks.com