08/16/2026
We Have to Be Better: A Reflection on Justice, Work, Leadership, and Knowing Yourself
Having been impacted by the justice system for more than 25 years of my life, and now working professionally in the employment industry, I can honestly say that there is something I never anticipated.
While I was incarcerated, I prayed for the day I would be released. I prayed for the opportunity to rebuild my life, become productive, work in a professional environment, and contribute positively to society. But if I am being completely honest, I never expected that after overcoming so much, I would still encounter stigma, workplace bullying, subtle disrespect, and intentional behaviors that can make a person question their value.
When you have already fought to survive the pitfalls of life, going to work should not become another battle where you have to constantly be cautious of the people around you. Work should be an opportunity to build relationships, develop professionally, serve others, and create bridges that can last a lifetime.
Unfortunately, I have witnessed the opposite.
I have seen situations where someone receives a higher position or greater authority, and suddenly their demeanor changes. Leadership becomes arrogance. Confidence becomes intimidation. Authority becomes an excuse to diminish others. The behavior becomes insidious and unapologetic, leaving coworkers to go home feeling less valuable than the person they were when they walked through the door that morning.
I have witnessed similar behavior in politics.
We create titles, positions, affiliations, and labels that are supposed to represent “we” and “us,” yet too often the reality becomes “them” and “they.” We talk about leadership, service, education, equality, and community, but sometimes those very principles disappear when power enters the room.
We have to be better.
What has our education really taught us if we use knowledge to step on someone else rather than lift them up?
What did our forefathers fight for if not the opportunity for people to live with dignity, equality, freedom, and the ability to pursue a better life?
They did not struggle so that one person could eventually gain enough power to make another person feel insignificant.
We are supposed to lift each other.
Whatever happened to wanting for someone else what we want for ourselves?
Whatever happened to compassion?
Whatever happened to understanding that another person's success does not diminish our own?
We have become too comfortable with the mentality of “every person for themselves.” Somewhere along the way, we lost sight of the fact that our humanity is interconnected.
Education should not become a weapon for personal advancement at the expense of others. Position should not become permission to disrespect people. Leadership should not create distance from the very people we are supposed to serve.
And perhaps the greatest lesson is the one that begins within ourselves.
Know thyself.
Before we attempt to manage others, examine ourselves. Before we judge others, examine ourselves. Before we demand respect, learn how to give it. Before we use our position to elevate ourselves, ask whether we are using our position to elevate others.
There is something deeply spiritual about self-examination. When we recognize the greatness of God's creation, we should also recognize the responsibility that comes with being entrusted with influence, knowledge, education, and authority.
Study yourself. Develop yourself. Correct yourself. Strengthen yourself.
Then become a better version of the person you present to the world.
Because true leadership is not demonstrated by how many people you can control.
It is demonstrated by how many people become better because you were there.
We have to be better. We have to do better. And most importantly, we have to become better.
— Dwight Harris Leadership • Purpose • Service • Legacy
