Why dignity? Dignity is the emotion that generates the belief that we have inherent worth. In dignity, you believe, without question, that you are as valuable as every other human being. That allows you to take a stand for yourself, decide what is best for you and take responsibility for the consequences, respect yourself, and insist that others treat you with respect. When we live in dignity, we extend dignity to others-all others. Dignity is a significant factor in your decision-making, problem-solving, and relationship-building. The authors believe that those three factors are the most significant components of leadership. Our goal is to prioritize dignity in leadership. Your dignity and the dignity of those you serve.

Dignity while improving your culture. Dignity, while strengthening your organization's sense of identity, purpose, and mission that steers it toward doing the next right thing, is our goal. During our decades of work, we have witnessed firsthand the consequences of both addressing and neglecting emotional learning. In particular, we are struck by the power of understanding and elevating the emotion of dignity. When dignity is respected and strengthened, trust flourishes, relationships grow, and justice is sought with compassion. When dignity is disregarded, fractures emerge between leaders, employees, and the stakeholders they serve, which breeds skepticism, resentment, and a breakdown in organizational culture. If the organization is changing you, and you are unable to change the organization, maybe it is time to change organizations. When leaders feel dignity, their willingness to disclose their mental health challenges increases, leading to early intervention, appropriate treatment, and 2 Dignity in Leadership the opportunity for healing and personal growth.

By prioritizing dignity in organizations, leaders can effectively promote the overall mental, emotional, and physical wellness of all.