With the holidays quickly approaching, are you dreading family conversations about politics/current events & personal inquiries about work/relationship statuses? How do you treat others when you disagree?
Listening to a recent podcast, I learned about the The Dignity Index created in 2021 to help ease division & solve problems. An eight-point scale of phrases (ranging from contempt to dignity) measures how we talk to each other during disagreements. The belief is: it’s NOT our thoughts that divide us, but rather, it’s how we TREAT one another when we DISAGREE.
Some important principals to keep in mind:
1.) We can disagree without needing to “win”.
2.) Ask questions instead of just making assumptions.
3.) Let a speaker finish before you respond.
4.) Separate the person from the position.
5.) Remain curious – even when it’s uncomfortable.
The Index can be used to increase dignity in the workplace as well. Consider the following?
1.) When giving feedback, do you help the receiver feel safe?
2.) Do you limit your feedback to the current situation & its impact vs dredging up a collection of negative, past events?
3.) Can you listen without interrupting?
4.) Do you choose phrases that diffuse hostility?
5.) Are relationships your top priority?
6.) Can you refer to a difficult workplace relationship in terms of dignity?
Hearts/minds are changed when people are treated with dignity. We don’t need to agree on everything, but we can definitely learn to disagree better by incorporating everyone’s opinions (instead of writing folks off, calling them names, or believing we are superior). Check out the index, score yourself & if you have a low score, learn how to score better.
R U Ready To Achieve can help your team learn the nuances of providing positive &developmental feedback in a constructive way – reach out today to learn more!
