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How Incivility Is Damaging Your Business And What To Do About It

Branson Carter

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Published in The Cost Of Bad Behavior: How Incivility Is Damaging Your Business And What To Do About It

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The Pervasive Problem of Workplace Incivility

Incivility, defined as rudeness, disrespect, or dismissiveness, has become a pervasive problem in today's workplaces. It manifests in various forms, from subtle microaggressions to overt acts of hostility. While often dismissed as harmless, incivility has far-reaching consequences that can severely damage organizations.

Effects on Employee Well-being and Productivity

Incivility creates a toxic work environment that negatively impacts employee well-being. Victims of incivility experience increased stress, anxiety, and depression. This can lead to absenteeism, reduced job satisfaction, and decreased productivity. Research has shown that just one incident of incivility can reduce an employee's performance by up to 40%.

The Cost of Bad Behavior: How Incivility Is Damaging Your Business and What to Do About It

by Christine Porath

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1532 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	252 pages

Erosion of Organizational Culture and Morale

Incivility undermines organizational culture by creating a climate of fear, mistrust, and hostility. Employees who witness or experience incivility may become withdrawn, cynical, and less engaged with their work. This can lead to a decline in team cohesion, collaboration, and overall morale.

Damage to Business Reputation and Customer Relationships

Incivility can also damage an organization's reputation. When customers or clients witness or experience rude or disrespectful behavior from employees, they are less likely to do business with the organization in the future. This can lead to lost revenue and reduced brand loyalty.

Addressing the Incivility Crisis

Given the significant damage incivility can inflict on businesses, it is imperative to take proactive steps to address this problem. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Establish Clear Policies and Expectations

Organizations should develop clear policies and expectations regarding workplace behavior. These policies should explicitly prohibit incivility and outline consequences for violations. Leaders must communicate these policies clearly and consistently to all employees.

2. Foster Open Communication and Conflict Resolution

Creating an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their concerns is crucial. Encourage open communication and provide opportunities for employees to address conflicts respectfully. Establish conflict resolution mechanisms that promote constructive dialogue and compromise.

3. Promote Emotional Intelligence and Empathy

Emotional intelligence and empathy are essential skills for combating incivility. Trainings can help employees develop these skills, enabling them to understand and respond to others' emotions effectively. Encourage empathy by asking employees to consider their words and actions from the perspective of others.

4. Empower Employees to Report Incivility

Empower employees to report incidents of incivility without fear of retaliation. Establish anonymous reporting mechanisms or provide clear avenues for employees to confidentially raise concerns with supervisors or HR.

5. Provide Training and Support

Provide training for employees on topics such as communication skills, conflict management, and workplace etiquette. Train supervisors to effectively address incivility and support employees who have been targeted.

6. Lead by Example

Leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone for workplace behavior. Leaders who demonstrate civility and respect create a positive example for others. They should actively model the desired behaviors and hold others accountable for their actions.

Incivility is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences for businesses and employees alike. By understanding the detrimental effects of incivility and implementing effective strategies to address this problem, organizations can create a more positive and productive work environment. The book "How Incivility Is Damaging Your Business And What To Do About It" provides a comprehensive roadmap for combating this pervasive problem and fostering a culture of civility and respect in the workplace.

The Cost of Bad Behavior: How Incivility Is Damaging Your Business and What to Do About It

by Christine Porath

4.4 out of 5