Workplace Civility and Negativity

Is it raining in your workplace? You may be familiar with the saying, "Don't rain on my parade!" Have you ever rained on someones parade, either intentionally or unintentionally? Has someone rained on your parade?

At work, some examples of this "rain" are: negatively responding to an idea for an improved process, interrupting others, not listening, having sidebar conversations while someone is presenting, checking text messages while in a face-to-face conversation, speaking down to another, speaking ill of someone behind their back, taking a superior attitude, being demanding, belittling, or intimidating others, and much more.

"Negativity is a little like rain. When there's just a little, you can go out for a walk in it and put up with the inconvenience of a slight dampening process. When the water is bucketing down, especially if accompanied by thunder and lightening, it is hard to find any shelter from which you can completely ignore the prevailing climate." (Jonathan Cainer)

What type of climate do you experience in your workplace? Are you the rain or the shelter?

Six Tips to Creating Workplace Civility and Respect

What some may view as little things in the workplace can be larger things to someone else. Here are six seemingly "small" behaviors that that individuals have within their control to enhance and encourage a respectful workplace:
 1.  arriving on time to meetings
 2.  dressing appropriately
 3.  saying "thank you", "I'm sorry"
 4.  giving praise publicly and criticism privately
 5.  considering impact of words and actions on others
 6.  keeping volume down when speaking near others workspaces

You needn't wait for someone else to "make the first move" to create a better work environment. You can take the first step.

Civility isn't one "grandiose event", rather it is many small things that when lacking, stand out like a sore thumb.

For additional reading on workplace civility and civility in general, see the book, The Power of Civility.

Business Etiquette Essentials for Women Course, Feb. 24, 2011

Register for the upcoming course, Business Etiquette Essentials for Women:

Date: Feb. 24, 2011
Time: 11:15a - 4:00p (Registration 11:15a) (Lunch included)
Location: Vescio's Cucina, St. Louis Park, MN
Click Here to Register

Women, take your skills to the next level and learn tools for your business success! During this program, you will learn tools that will give you the ability to interact confidently, communicate more effectively, and leverage your power and presence in the workplace.

Topics Covered:
– How Your Voice Can Work Against You
– Impact of Your Business Appearance
– How to Gain Credibility During Introductions and Handshakes
– Impact of Body Language for Women
– Recognizing Indirect Aggression Among Women
– Business Dining Guidance for Women
– Tips for Dining Alone
– Travel Safety
– How to Be Your Own Mentor

Workplace & Leadership Civility Survey - Your Feedback is Important

We need your input!

The Etiquette Centre of Minneapolis is conducting a survey on "Workplace & Leadership Civility" for the upcoming book, The Power of Civility, forthcoming May, 2011. We would really like to know your thoughts, your experiences, and your suggestions. This survey will take approximately 7-10 minutes to complete.

Workplace & Leadership Civility Survey (click here for survey)

Thank you in advance for taking the time to participate in this survey!

Should you have any questions, please contact Laura Barclay at (763) 432-9008 or by e-mail at: laura.barclay@etiquette-centre.com.