
Mastering Civility
A Manifesto for the Workplace
By Christine Porath
Published 12/2016
About the Author
Christine Porath is a distinguished professor at Georgetown University, renowned for her extensive research on workplace behavior. Her work delves into the effects of incivility and the ways organizations can foster a more positive environment where people can thrive. Porath’s research highlights the benefits that individuals and organizations gain in terms of well-being and performance when they cultivate a civil workplace. Her insights have been featured in over 1500 television, radio, and print outlets, including Time, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, NBC, CBS, CNN, and the BBC.
Main Idea
Mastering Civility: A Manifesto for the Workplace by Christine Porath addresses the pervasive issue of incivility in the workplace and its detrimental effects on individuals and organizations. Porath combines scientific research with evidence from popular culture and various fields such as neuroscience, medicine, and psychology to illustrate the importance of civility. She provides practical strategies for individuals to evaluate and improve their behavior and for leaders to create and maintain a civil work environment.
Table of Contents
- The Stakes: The High Costs of Incivility and The Potential Gains of Civility
- Civility Checkup: How You Are Doing and How You Can Improve
- Lift Your Organization
- Lift Yourself: Handling Incivility If You’re The Target
The Stakes: The High Costs of Incivility and The Potential Gains of Civility
Clueless
Incivility is a growing problem in America, as highlighted by the Civility in America 2016 survey where 95 percent of respondents believed there is a civility problem, and 70 percent thought it had reached crisis proportions. This incivility manifests in various ways, from ignoring people to publicly mocking them. What matters is not whether people were disrespected but whether they felt disrespected. Incivility is subjective and can vary by culture, generation, gender, industry, and organization. This diversity in perception means that understanding and addressing incivility requires sensitivity and awareness.
"Some leaders behave uncivilly by publicly mocking and belittling people; reminding subordinates of their 'roles' and lesser titles in the organization; teasing direct reports in ways that sting; or taking credit for wins, but pointing the finger at others when difficulties arise." — Christine Porath
Interpreting the Trends
The rise in incivility can be attributed to factors such as globalization and generational changes. Research by Jean Twenge shows that students today are more narcissistic than those 25 years ago. Additionally, workplace relationships are fraying due to increased workloads and stress. Many people behave uncivilly not out of malice but ignorance and a lack of self-awareness.
Modern science underscores the health impacts of incivility. According to Robert Sapolsky, author of Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, persistent incivility can lead to significant health problems, including cardiovascular disease and ulcers. The American Psychological Association estimates that workplace stress costs the U.S. economy $500 billion annually. Studies show that incivility reduces work effort, commitment, and productivity, further highlighting the need for civility in the workplace.
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