The Best Strategy to Improve the World
Personal dignity – our deep sense of self-worth – is the cornerstone of well-being.
Whether we notice it or not, it is implicated in leadership, business, ethics, human rights, and all our social and global interactions. Prioritizing dignity would transform our relationships and our world. Yet, the world at large is asleep to the importance of this.
Advancing dignity is an essential call to consciousness – one we must heed for the sake of our shared humanity.
Awakening to the importance of dignity involves both awareness and action. It means recognizing and cherishing the many aspects of "self" that are embedded in our identity and form our sense of worthiness. It also means advocating for those whose dignity is violated, and creating systems and structures that uphold and protect the intrinsic worth of every individual.
The fact that personal dignity is fundamental to our identity has profound implications:
We are wired to protect it.
When dignity is violated, we respond negatively.
This shows up as defensiveness, arrogance, argument, or fighting – many of our worst tendencies as humans.
This call to consciousness means behaving as if people’s sense of self-worth – including the unique aspects of their identity – really matters.
Because it does. We can’t change the fact that we are wired to defend our own dignity. But we can begin to wake up to the same need in others.
Advancing the dignity of others is the game changer we need for personal, business, and global relations.
Here are two ways you can apply this insight:
Take the advice of Ted Lasso, “Be curious, not judgmental.” When you note differences in a person, ask questions. Seek to understand and learn.
Intentionally associate with people beyond your usual circle. Get to know those who don’t look like you, think like you, agree with you. Keep talking until you see that we are all very human and need to be seen as worthy.
And that’s The Gist of It™ - Ideas to advance dignity, practice humility, and develop leaders of character and integrity.
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Marilyn Gist, PhD