"The Heart of Leadership: Recognizing Worth in Every Individual"

The 2013 release of Man of Steel, directed by Zack Snyder and starring Henry Cavill, sparked considerable debate among Superman fans and comic book enthusiasts. For some, the depiction of a brooding Superman seemed too similar to Batman. Others were unsettled by Superman’s choice to end General Zod’s life. Yet, some viewers appreciated the film’s ambitious scope and its portrayal of a hero grappling with his purpose. Despite the differing opinions, one theme in the movie resonated deeply with me.

Kal-El’s father, Jor-El, offered his son a profound vision and purpose. Jor-El declared:

"They can be a great people, Kal-El, if they wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all, their capacity for good, I have sent them you... my only son."

Leadership often reflects this sentiment. Leaders arise within organizations to provide direction, enabling others to achieve greatness by recognizing and fostering their potential.

At its core, human dignity rests on the belief that every individual is made in the image of God. This foundational truth grants people an intrinsic worth and the capacity to flourish—in their relationships, creativity, and stewardship of the Earth.

Leadership, as I define it, is the ability to influence others through purpose, direction, and motivation to achieve shared goals over time. Effective leaders cultivate relationships to support goal achievement while implementing plans that sustain and enhance the group’s long-term success. Leadership styles vary—transactional, transformational, servant, and authentic leadership each offer unique methods to inspire and guide others. This diversity highlights that no single approach fits every context or individual.

Ultimately, leadership centers on human connection: one person influencing others. This connection is rooted in the shared understanding that all individuals possess dignity and value. Recognizing this has significant implications for nonprofit leadership.

First, affirming human dignity transforms workplace relationships. Leaders who treat employees with respect and acknowledgment create an environment where individual well-being is prioritized. Employees should experience a workplace culture where the language, values, and resource allocation demonstrate a genuine commitment to their dignity and development.

Second, fostering dignity improves team morale. When employees feel valued, they derive satisfaction from their contributions and from collaborating with others. Achieving challenging goals and celebrating those accomplishments together is deeply rewarding. Leaders can boost morale by publicly recognizing employee achievements, engaging in one-on-one conversations to address needs, and empowering employees to take ownership of the organization’s mission and vision.

Finally, organizational success relies on leadership that nurtures a culture of dignity and collaboration. Progress stems from effective planning and resource utilization, both of which depend on motivated and engaged individuals. When employees feel affirmed and the team functions with high morale, the organization is more likely to achieve its goals.

One practice I implemented at the end of staff meetings is called "Encourage to the Left." This activity invites each staff member to offer encouragement to a colleague of their choice. Everyone, including myself, has the opportunity to both give and receive encouragement. This practice underscores to the team that their emotional and psychological well-being is as vital, if not more so, than a project update or financial report.

How can leaders uphold and recognize human dignity in their organizations? Here are three practical steps:

1. Actively Listen: Create opportunities for informal and formal conversations where you focus on truly hearing your employees. Use open-ended questions to encourage them to share their ideas and concerns. Even if immediate action is not possible, listening fosters trust and respect.
2. Empower Employees: Provide opportunities for employees to take ownership of the organization’s vision and mission. Beyond their job descriptions, encourage them to plan, execute, and evaluate initiatives. Offer guidance, step back, and periodically check in—allowing them to grow and thrive.
3. Model Respect: Regularly recognize and appreciate employee contributions. This doesn’t require elaborate ceremonies; a simple thank-you or a word of encouragement during a meeting can have a profound impact. Over time, these actions cultivate a workplace culture of mutual respect and affirmation.

By adopting these practices, leaders can create environments where human dignity is not only acknowledged but celebrated, paving the way for personal and organizational growth.

​Human dignity—the immeasurable worth and value inherent in every individual—is a cornerstone of effective leadership. Leaders bear the ethical responsibility to cultivate workplaces that affirm this dignity and foster environments where people flourish. In 2025, let’s commit to leadership that recognizes and honors the extraordinary worth in every person we encounter.