Dignity: Its Essential Role in Resolving Conflict

I bought this book after hearing the author speak. The basic concept is that we are all worthy of being treated with dignity. I’m surprised this isn’t used more in business. I bought the subsequent book as well but have just started reading it. If you want to deal with others, this is a worthwhile read.

Some time ago I left a company in the south I had been employed to help build a leadership team that could diminish turn over and create some lasting tenure. What I love to do it help a person or company flourish. And in this company, I came to realize that was was needed for that to happen was dignity. I did what I could to begin the process of many shifts in perception, hiring, reviewing, appreciating, managing and seeing the people in the plant, but I knew I could not effect lasting change as an outsider, by myself. Then one day I met a man who had been beaten down to the point of soulful exhaustion working in this plant for so many years. We spoke because he was giving his notice this one day. I could not promise him I could do anything, I was only advising, and who knew how long. But I could identify that he had reached the point where his soul could no longer tolerate living without dignity. When I mentioned this to him, he got tears in his eyes, believing someone finally understood him.This is what Donna Hick’s book is about. And after I read it, I ordered another copy and sent it to this man with the challenge that he create the revolution there to bring dignity into that place. He acknowledged that he would and felt that was his purpose. Until you understand what it is like to live with dignity, you don’t appreciate the value it has, you don’t realize what it is you are missing. Donna’s stories and suggestions are direct hits, they are poignant and purposeful, and bring something to the consciousness that should we all embrace, would definitely change the face of this world. Thank you for the amazing and challenging work you do, Donna, I truly admire that.

I am a Therapist, and a Curriculum Director for a program that works with adolescents, from throughout the world, who have lost a family member to an act of terrorism.I have found this book to be invaluable in my work in both capacities.In my clinical role, I have encountered numerous clients, both individuals and couples, who have struggled with conflict, both personal and professional. The Dignity Model provides a way to look at conflict and name the issues/and origins, as well as options for taking action to move through the dignity violations inherent in the conflict.Rather than investing energy in "conflict" this book has offered insightful and effective ways to invest in dignity, which is both healing and empowering.In working with young people who's lives have been derailed by the experience of terrorism, the DIgnity Model provides an access to relay their personal experience of the ultimate dignity violation that is terrorism, and to achieve the capacity for empathy. Recognizing that we all possess dignity, allows for one to feel all of the righteous indignation of what has been perpetrated upon them, while also seeing the larger picture of how the "other" has been likewise victimized by a system of indignity.This book has provided the most hopeful and accessible way to navigate conflict from the most personal, day to day, to the large scale political, and to see the relationship between both.M. Meehan McNamara

In 1986 while I was working as a lab technician I met my future husband; an only child. He was from Canada where his parents lived and worked as forestry researchers. They were originally from India but had lived in Australia and Ghana until my husband was 15. While we were dating he was doing research in cardiology. I, on the other hand; had lived on a farm until 16 with my 7 siblings and 11 cousins. I began working as a lab technician at 18 for a number of years while also getting a degree in physical education. When we married it was with the full support of our parents and all my siblings. Many of the qualities the book addresses were at work here given our age, religion, educational differences and personal cultural backgrounds. I am hugely impressed by this book because it gets at the heart of so many of the psychological blind spots and fears societies hang on to that can no longer be ignored. The book is clearly written with great real life examples. I have placed the 10 elements that define dignity or violate it on my refrigerator. I think it would be well served in all educational settings from 1st grade and beyond. It can serve as a great moral compass.

Almost every page in this book has a star, underline, circle and/or personal notes. This book answered my question on how to be vulnerable and maintain your dignity. It is not an intellectual read. It highlights Soul qualities without ever referring to the Soul. It is powerful resource for any leader who wants to truly build a cohesive team. It holds the mirror up in front of the leader. The personal stories are real and anyone can relate. Thank you Donna Hicks!

Not only does the book come on time, but it also looks great with no markings and is almost new. Thanks!

Just finished this wonderful book! As an elementary school administrator, I feel this book could also be describing an essential leadership model and guideline for social living in general. The need to acknowledge the crucial role dignity plays in all aspects of our lives and interactions transends all subcategories. The dignity model should not only be viewed as a model for resolving conflicts. In my job I see it as an approach to being a more effective instructional leader. I can see my teachers using it as an approach to creating more effective relationships with their students as well as the parents of their students. Regardless of your profession, experiences, or goals, the dignity model can guide you in your efforts to make the very most of your relationships with others. I'm very excited about this work and its potential impact on so many!

"We are often unaware of the ways we routinely and subtly violate each others dignity. At the same time, we are to fully aware of the power we have to make people feel good by recognising their worth."The book explains the ways in which dignity can be violated and the damage these violations do. It gives many examples from serious conflicts all across the world, but is also applicable to the everyday life of everyone who interacts with other people. It also explains how explicitly recognising dignity violations to be dignity violations can help injured people to come to terms with what has happened and come to terms with it, paving the way to conflict resolution, and personal peace.The insights in this book are important and profoundly humanising. It wish it was more widely read and talked about. deserves to be better known and recognised.

Her clarity and subtlity of relating the concept of dignity and conflict resolution gives us deeper understanding of how to manage or, if we lucky resolve, the conflict. The extremely good examples of conflicts around the world have given us some insight to what is involved when attempting resolution. Also her incredible good description of the group dynamics when during those sessions of conflict resolutions.....Ala Atar

This book is unpretentious, user friendly and clear in the lessons it teaches. It has truly changed my life for the better. Should be compulsory reading for everyone as we live in the world, particularly for anyone with children.

An education that wasn’t provided at school. I can hear my heart beating again. My thanks to the author for sharing this with us.

There is so much learning In this book. It is conflict resolution both for ourselves and others that brings hope