The tone of discussion in our country is more polarized than ever before. How can we overcome barriers to foster productive dialog? Harvard’s Dr. Donna Hicks has found the key. Her internationally-acclaimed Dignity Model creates a new paradigm for constructive conversation— one that highlights the fact that every human being has the same basic need to be valued,  understood, and to be treated in a way that recognizes their inherent worth. In this game-changing presentation, Dr. Hicks shares the essential elements of dignity, how to honor it in others and maintain your own—even in contentious situations. By understanding the Dignity Model, you will not only be able to influence more civil and productive conversations—you will learn essential skills for improving and enhancing relationships everywhere in your life.

What is the motivating force behind most all human interactions? Dignity. It is the desire to be treated well. It is an unspoken human yearning that lies at the heart of every relationship—and often at the center of conflict. When dignity is violated, the human connection is the first thing to go. Team dynamics suffer, trust erodes, productivity declines, and it becomes a driving force behind trends such as quiet quitting and the Great Resignation. Conversely, when leaders make human dignity a driving force throughout their organization—not simply a value, but a guiding principle—people feel seen, heard, and valued. Employees are happier, engagement and loyalty increase, communication and collaboration improve, innovation flourishes, and people are inspired to do their best work. Organizations that place dignity at the center of their mission don't just create healthier workplace cultures—they strengthen performance, improve retention, and ultimately achieve better organizational outcomes. Shifting to a human-centered approach to leadership unlocks stronger communication, greater collaboration, deeper engagement, and healthier workplace cultures. Dr. Hicks offers a unifying framework and actionable insights that help leaders practice dignity-conscious leadership and build environments where people—and the organizations they serve—thrive.

Harm to one’s dignity hurts, just like a physical wound. In fact, research shows that when people experience a violation of dignity, it follows the same neural pathway as a physical injury. Both types of injuries can be viewed in the same area of the brain. According to dignity expert Donna Hicks, caring for and attending to people’s dignity must become a healthcare imperative. Maintaining dignity between staff members in healthcare environments can significantly contribute to positive patient outcomes, as a respectful and supportive workplace culture among staff fosters better teamwork, communication, and overall patient care, leading to improved experiences and treatment results for patients. It first requires system-wide change to ensure that all members of the healthcare community feel confident that they are valued. Drawing upon many years of experience conducting dignity workshops with healthcare organizations, Dr. Hicks addresses dignity at both the systemic and individual levels, advocating that the oath, “first, do no harm,” must apply to violations of dignity.

Do I fit in? Am I good enough? Am I being accepted? Theres a new framework for creating belonging in our schools that asserts that dignity should be the foundation for building cultures and environments that acknowledge and value the humanity of each person. Harvard University’s Donna Hicks, the pioneering mind behind the Dignity Model, explores why dignity is the foundation for creating thriving, inclusive settings where everyone belongs. Whether you are a Superintendent, Principal, school administrator, educator or student, Dr. Hicks will show how dignity is the core value in creating better learning environments in our schools’ and classrooms. By encouraging our staff and students to strengthen their own dignity, they will in turn embrace and honor the dignity in others. Dr. Hicks provides an actionable framework for transforming our classrooms by affirming the dignity of all.

Acceptance-Recognition-Inclusion-Acknowledgement-Accountability. These are just some of the elements of dignity that once violated, give rise to conflict. If there were ever a time when the need to understand these elements and the role dignity plays in our lives, organizations and in our workplaces, it is now. Drawing on her extensive experience in international conflict resolution and on insights from evolutionary biology, psychology, and neuroscience, Dr. Hicks explains how these elements of dignity should be the guidelines for healthy relationships, and the importance of learning these skills in today’s workplace. This may be the key to not only resolving worldwide conflicts, but for creating a culture that brings out the best in people.