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. Uncivil behaviors are characteristically rude and discourteous, displaying a lack of regard for others Kirsten W. Schwehm, PhD / Louisiana State University

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 25 Principles of Considerate Conduct Pay Attention Acknowledge Others Think the Best Listen Be Inclusive

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

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

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

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

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

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

More information online at www.cocoschools.org/civility

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