“Nobody knows everything but together we know a lot.”

Rosalind Wiseman

Rosalind Wiseman invites us to rethink one of the most fundamental parts of school culture: dignity.

In this episode, you’ll explore why shifting from “respect” to dignity transforms relationships, how practicing generous authority strengthens trust, and what it truly means to listen to young people as the experts of their own experience. Discover practical ways to lead with humanity, navigate conflict with clarity, and create schools where every student feels seen, valued, and capable of contributing.

Hosted by NAESP member, author, and keynote speaker Adam Welcome, this season brings dynamic conversations with today’s leading voices in education. Each episode dives into real-world strategies and inspiring stories designed to help you strengthen your leadership, build collaborative school cultures, and bring practical, purposeful tools into your daily practice.

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⭐ 5 Key Takeaways

1. Dignity Must Replace the Misuse of “Respect.” Schools often use “respect” as a compliance tool. Shifting the focus to dignity honors each person’s humanity and reduces power struggles.

2. Students Are the Subject-Matter Experts of Their Own Experience. Educators bring wisdom, but young people bring lived expertise. Learning should be co-created, not simply delivered.

3. Leaders Can Hold Authority Generously. A strong leader can say, “I don’t know everything.” Practicing generous authority builds trust and models lifelong learning.

4. Today’s Challenges Demand a New Playbook. Mental health concerns, disengagement, and AI require leaders to listen deeply and evolve beyond traditional approaches.

5. Helping Students and Families “Save Face” Builds Stronger Relationships. Understanding social dynamics and reframing communication preserves dignity and trust for all involved.

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💡 4 Guiding Questions

1. How do students experience dignity in my school—and where might it be missing?
2. How am I using my authority: to enforce compliance or to support growth?
3. How often do I genuinely collaborate with students and listen to their lived expertise?
4. How do I communicate in challenging moments in ways that preserve dignity for students, staff, and families?

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✅ 3 Actions to Try This Month

1. Shift to Dignity-Based Language. Use reframes like “This must be hard for that student/family” as a staff norm.
2. Invite Students to Define Dignity. Hold a brief advisory or focus group asking, “What does dignity look and feel like from adults in this school?”
3. Practice Generous Authority in Real Time. In your next challenging conversation, intentionally say “I want to understand your experience—help me see it from your perspective.”