Dr. Donna Hicks is an Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University and the former Deputy Director of the Program on International Conflict Analysis and Resolution (PICAR). She facilitated dialogues in numerous unofficial diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Colombia, Cuba, Libya and Syria. She has taught courses in conflict resolution at Harvard and Columbia Universities and conducts seminars in the US and abroad on dignity leadership training and on the role dignity plays in resolving conflict. She has two books on Dignity, including Dignity: It’s Essential Role in Resolving Conflict and Leading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture That Brings Out the Best in People.

Mentioned on the Show

• Read Donna Hick’s book, Leading with Dignity: https://a.co/d/04lnHrUz
• Donna’s first book on dignity in conflict resolution: https://a.co/d/08CQSEgG
• Learn more about Donna Hicks, PhD: https://drdonnahicks.com/
• Donna and O’Brien discussed the Dignity Index, learn more here: https://www.dignity.us/

Timestamps
(00:00:00) – O'Brien McMahon welcomes dignity expert Donna Hicks, PhD to People Business

(00:02:52) – Why is dignity such an important factor in negotiation and conflict resolution?

(00:12:53) – Respect vs. Dignity: understanding and defining both concepts

(00:15:12) – How does understanding self-dignity (our own sense of dignity) affect our ability to give dignity to others?

(00:16:33) – How do we reconcile feelings of inadequacy and insecurity with the concept of “unleashing” our dignity?

(00:28:30) – Dignity work in practice: how to approach mediation when both sides in a conflict feel their dignity has been violated

(00:36:30) – How is someone's dignity and humanity honored while also accounting for bad behavior?

(00:39:01) – Are humans wired for revenge? How do we balance our impulses with dignity?

(00:48:57) – Closing thoughts on dignity from Donna Hicks, PhD

Aaron Levy is the Founder of Raise The Bar and Stride, two companies focused on helping companies create high- performing teams by building better leaders. He is the author of the bestselling book Open, Honest, & Direct, the host of Raising The Bar on Leadership Podcast, a Thrive Global contributor, an ICF Certified Coach, and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. Over the last decade, Aaron has worked with 10,000 business leaders in various industries, inspiring them to define their goals, create tactical action plans, and achieve sustained success.

Mentioned on the Show

• Learn more about Aaron Levy on the Raise the Bar website: https://www.raisebar.co/team/aaron-levy-founder
• Read Aaron’s book Open, Honest, and Direct: https://a.co/d/081LR77O
• Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aelevy
• O’Brien discussed the book Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin: https://a.co/d/0iN1Z70x

Timestamps
(00:00:00) – Aaron Levy returns to People Business with O'Brien McMahon

(00:02:42) – What is Raise the Bar and how do you help develop leadership skills in teams?

(00:03:09) Have leadership lessons have evolved since the pandemic or if they remain the same?

(00:04:28) How has the hybrid work world changed how we need to lead people and what skill sets have become important?

(00:08:14) What opportunities exist now, post-pandemic, that didn't before?

(00:14:19) What key fundamental skills are foundational for leadership development?

(00:20:53) How is psychological safety created in the workplace?

(00:21:44) How can someone receive feedback constructively, “like a scientist”?

(00:23:51) What factors allow people to receive difficult feedback in a positive way?

(00:32:09) How can difficult, tough conversations be made in a way that helps?

(00:42:35) Millennials, Gen Z, are generational differences real or just examples of human nature across life stages?

(00:48:11) Is there anything about how Aaron leads Raise the Bar that surprises clients?

Dr. Jennifer Fraser is the author of The Bullied Brain and The Gaslit Brain. It is her mission to educate people on how to recognize and name these behaviors and stay safe when they show up.

Mentioned on the Show

• Dr. Jennifer Fraser’s website: https://bulliedbrain.com/
• Read The Gaslit Brain: https://a.co/d/0fupTc7K
• Get Dr. Fraser’s book The Bullied Brain: https://a.co/d/09JvZBgo
• Jennifer Fraser, PhD is a regular contributor to Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/jennifer-fraser-phd
• Learn more about BrainHQ training: https://www.brainhq.com/

Timestamps
(00:00:00) - Jennifer Fraser, PhD joins People Business with O'Brien McMahon

(00:02:24) - Workplace dynamics: Personal agendas vs. Organizational agendas

(00:06:09) - Denial: why do we think “this could never happen”?

(00:11:48) - What does gaslighting look like and what is manipulative communication?

(00:17:46) - What is happening in our brains when we are being gaslit?

(00:23:25) - What is healthy self-esteem and status and what is unhealthy ego?

(00:25:55) - Is “true” psychopathy a spectrum?

(00:29:40) - DARVO: Denial; attack; reverse; victim; offender

(00:35:30) - When is appropriate to terminate and when should a second chance be offered?

(00:37:46) - How can workplace gaslighting be recognized earlier?

(00:48:08) - What happens in the brain after gaslighting and bullying?

(00:53:20) - How we should think about high status people in positions of power?

(01:00:38) - Final thoughts from Jennifer Fraser, PhD