Empathy Leads to Dignity

It is incumbent upon institutional leaders to model dignity-infused behaviors when interacting with colleagues and subordinates. Treating others with dignity and respect, everyone along the hierarchical tree, is a positive expression of care, concern, and respect for those who help make companies successful and a joy to show up to on a daily basis. Leaders who miss the mark should be immediate candidates for coaching. Coaching on the merits of empathy and dignity should typically preclude any disciplinary action – giving them the opportunity to fold into the (desired) culture before making the determination that they are ill-fit for the role or the company.

One day I was watching an old rerun of Scooby Doo with my kids, and a hilarious scene caused me to pause and reflect on how we might navigate situations like this in real life. Scooby Doo and friends were chasing after the bad guy and, in an apparently successful effort to escape by jumping in a wagon and flying down a hill the bad guy shouts “So long suckers!” He then realizes that the wagon is about to veer over the edge of a steep cliff, and in desperation he pleads “Save me suckers!”

           Two notions immediately struck me as quite interesting. The first notion was that humans sometimes fail to appreciate the value of others until they need help. The second notion is that, even when help is needed, and sometimes when help is actually provided, some people struggle to treat others – even those who save them from impending doom – with dignity. I suppose a bonus notion is that sometimes the trouble that finds people is self-inflicted, and the best way out of trouble is through honesty, integrity, and kindness – even to those who are charged with investigating and resolving the troubling situation. When dignity in process and in treatment occurs, the best possible outcomes usually follow.

           The saying is true that, in our career success, we stand on the shoulders of giants. The saying is true that, in our career success, we do not rise based on our efforts alone. Yes, our efforts are a critical component of success. But it also takes champions, allies, advocates, loyal colleagues and team members, and even complimentary customers who collectively propel us forward. The best of us will acknowledge this reality and make it a point to pay homage to those who have helped them along the way. This showing may not necessarily be to those exact people; it may be to the security guard we meet and thank who helps us enter our work facility with ease, and who help keep us safe. It may be by thanking a customer service representative who went a little above and beyond to make a customer’s experience a little better, because when a customer is happy the company wins. These champions of the human race, and the workplace, pause and take the time to appreciate the sometimes-thankless work of others around them. They realize that they have the power to brighten a day and they exercise it freely. They most certainly appreciate that even if they encounter a sucker along the way, how they treat that person might help both of them have a much better day and foster positive attitudes. And of course, the only good suckers at work are those wonderful round candies on a stick that bring so much joy!