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Civility in the Workplace

Civility in the Workplace. Kirsten W. Schwehm, PhD / Louisiana State University. What is Workplace Incivility?. Behaviors with ambiguous intent to harm the target, in violation of workplace norms for mutual respect.

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Civility in the Workplace

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  1. Civility in the Workplace Kirsten W. Schwehm, PhD / Louisiana State University

  2. What is Workplace Incivility? Behaviors with ambiguous intent to harm the target, in violation of workplace norms for mutual respect. Uncivil behaviors are characteristically rude and discourteous, displaying a lack of regard for others Kirsten W. Schwehm, PhD / Louisiana State University

  3. Why should you care about civility? Kirsten W. Schwehm, PhD / Louisiana State University

  4. The Incivility Continuum • Negative Behavior • Rude comments • Insensitive actions • Unintentional slights • Complaining • Gossip/rumors • Cultural bias • Crude jokes • Profanity • Verbal Aggression • Yelling / loud voice • Belittling comments • Intimidation / threats • Discriminatory comments • Cursing at someone • Humiliation • Physical/Sexual Aggression • Assault / Battery • Throwing objects • Violent outbursts (e.g., hitting the wall) • Inappropriate touching • Harrassment Kirsten W. Schwehm, PhD / Louisiana State University

  5. Why Choose to be Civil? • One person can have a positive impact on the work environment • Improved Morale • Improved Productivity • Improved Teamwork • Being nice feels good • 83% of workers report that it is “very important” to work in a civil environment (Baltimore Workplace Study, 2003) Kirsten W. Schwehm, PhD / Louisiana State University

  6. Contributors to Incivility • Long hours / overwork • “Hot” temperament • Workplace stress • Inflexibility • Passive aggression • Hurt feelings • Intolerance of individual differences Kirsten W. Schwehm, PhD / Louisiana State University

  7. The Costs of Incivility • Lost work time and productivity • Lost employees / high turnover • Decrease in feelings of teamwork • Work avoidance • Lowered job motivation • Health costs due to stress • Incivility to customers / clients Kirsten W. Schwehm, PhD / Louisiana State University

  8. Communicating Civility • Remember pleasantries • No interrupting • Be open-minded • Say what you mean • Be aware of your tone and volume • Don’t argue for the sake of arguing / PICK YOUR BATTLES • Be respectful, even in disagreement Kirsten W. Schwehm, PhD / Louisiana State University

  9. Communicating Civility (cont.) • Address conflicts in private when possible • Be aware of your own defensiveness • Depersonalize your comments • Avoid accusations / ask questions instead • Allow others to respond and give them your attention • Consider that you could be wrong • Use active listening skills Kirsten W. Schwehm, PhD / Louisiana State University

  10. An Initiative Championed by the Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph A. Ovick

  11. The 25 Principlesof Considerate Conduct • Pay Attention • Acknowledge Others • Think the Best • Listen • Be Inclusive

  12. The 25 Principlesof Considerate Conduct • Speak Kindly • Don’t Speak Ill • Accept and Give Praise • Respect Even a Subtle “NO” • Respect Others’ Opinions

  13. The 25 Principlesof Considerate Conduct • Mind Your Body • Be Agreeable • Keep It Down (and Rediscover Silence) • Respect Other People’s Time • Respect Other People’s Space

  14. The 25 Principlesof Considerate Conduct • Apologize Earnestly • Assert Yourself • Avoid Personal Questions • Care for Your Guests • Be a Considerate Guest

  15. The 25 Principlesof Considerate Conduct • Think Twice Before Asking for Favors • Refrain from Idle Complaints • Accept and Give Constructive Criticism • Respect the Environment and Be Gentle to Animals • Don’t Shift Responsibility and Blame

  16. Top 10 Principles of CivilityChosen by the 2012-2013 County Teachers of the Year August/September Pay Attention October Acknowledge Others November Listen December Speak Kindly January Accept and Give Praise

  17. Top 10 Principles of CivilityChosen by the 2012-2013 County Teachers of the Year February Respect Others’ Opinions March Be Inclusive April Respect Other People’s Time May Don’t Shift Responsibility and Blame June Apologize Earnestly

  18. More information online at www.cocoschools.org/civility

  19. Helpful References • Choosing Civility: The Twenty-Five Rules of Considerate Conduct (2002) by P.M. Forni • Conflict Resolution (2001) by Daniel Dana • People Styles at Work (1996) by Robert Bolton & Dorothy Grover Bolton • Resolving Conflicts at Work (2005) by Kenneth Cloke & Joan Goldsmith • Rude Awakenings: Overcoming the Civility Crisis in the Workplace (2002) by Giovinella Gonthier • Workplace Wars and How to End Them (1994) by Kenneth Kaye

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