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 Principles of Considerate Conduct
Pay Attention
Acknowledge Others
Think the Best
Listen
Be Inclusive

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

13. The 25 Principles of 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 Principles of Considerate Conduct
Apologize Earnestly
Assert Yourself
Avoid Personal Questions
Care for Your Guests
Be a Considerate Guest

15. The 25 Principles of 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 Civility Chosen 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 Civility Chosen 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