Dr. Donna Hicks is an Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University and the former Deputy Director of the Program on International Conflict Analysis and Resolution (PICAR). She facilitated dialogues in numerous unofficial diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Colombia, Cuba, Libya and Syria. She has taught courses in conflict resolution at Harvard and Columbia Universities and conducts seminars in the US and abroad on dignity leadership training and on the role dignity plays in resolving conflict. She has two books on Dignity, including Dignity: It’s Essential Role in Resolving Conflict and Leading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture That Brings Out the Best in People.

Mentioned on the Show

Read Donna Hick’s book, Leading with Dignity: https://a.co/d/04lnHrUz
Donna’s first book on dignity in conflict resolution: https://a.co/d/08CQSEgG
Learn more about Donna Hicks, PhD: https://drdonnahicks.com/
Donna and O’Brien discussed the Dignity Index, learn more here: https://www.dignity.us/

Timestamps
(00:00:00) – O'Brien McMahon welcomes dignity expert Donna Hicks, PhD to People Business

(00:02:52) – Why is dignity such an important factor in negotiation and conflict resolution?

(00:12:53) – Respect vs. Dignity: understanding and defining both concepts

(00:15:12) – How does understanding self-dignity (our own sense of dignity) affect our ability to give dignity to others?

(00:16:33) – How do we reconcile feelings of inadequacy and insecurity with the concept of “unleashing” our dignity?

(00:28:30) – Dignity work in practice: how to approach mediation when both sides in a conflict feel their dignity has been violated

(00:36:30) – How is someone's dignity and humanity honored while also accounting for bad behavior?

(00:39:01) – Are humans wired for revenge? How do we balance our impulses with dignity?

(00:48:57) – Closing thoughts on dignity from Donna Hicks, PhD