February 2026 CSU HR Conference
“Dignity Intelligence: Strengthening Conflict Resilience in the Workplace” with Dr. Matt Ricke
Dignity intelligence (DI) is the capacity to acknowledge, uphold, and protect the inherent worth and value of every individual in the workplace. It is a form of leadership intelligence that focuses on treating people as people—rather than tasks, numbers, or problems—ensuring they feel their contributions and authentic selves are honoured and respected.
Slide Deck
Dignity Intelligence Slide Deck
Handouts
Dignity Intelligence – Small Group Breakout prompts
Additional Resources
- “Dignity Intelligence: The most critical leadership intelligence” by Dr. Robyn Short (Blog)
- “On dignity and emotional intelligence at work” by Megan Saxelby (Blog)
- “Dignity, Wisdom, and Tomorrow’s Ethical Business Leader” by Donna Hicks and Sandra Waddock (Business and Society Review – 2016 – Hicks – Dignity Wisdom and Tomorrow s Ethical Business Leader)
- Books by Dr. Donna Hicks:
- Dignity: Its Essential Role in Resolving Conflict
- Leading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture that Brings Out the Best in People (available at Morgan Library! Call number HD57.7 .H53 2018)
Past Ombuds Events
October 2024 Conflict Resolution Month Signature Workshop
“Curiosity: The Key to Respectful Communication” with Dr. Robyn Short, Workplace Peace Institute
Participants’ Takeaways
- “Practices for cultivating curiosity. Definitely need to become more curious and ask more questions.”
- “To pay attention to my vagus nerve and when my emotions may be taking over and impacting my behavior.”
- “It’s awesome to hear Robyn articulate things I have known as being critical but did not know how to explain… Dignity is a basic human right that must be honored to have productive conversations/relationships.”
- “Working on developing curiosity now before a conflict starts is key.”
Additional Feedback
- “The workshop was well organized and well-paced. Excellent presenter.”
- “I really appreciate all that [the Ombuds Office] is doing. Your support has been fundamental to building a higher baseline of interpersonal skill and teamwork here.”
- “This was a great one. More like this, please.”
- “I could watch this training over and over again – it all resonated and would be valuable to all humans.”
Presentation Recording
Additional Resources
Dr. Short graciously shared her PowerPoint slide deck and a short book she wrote titled “Communicating with Dignity and Curiosity”. We hope you enjoy these additional resources.