Every day, millions of conversations take place in the workplace. And, in a world that seems to move faster by the minute, it’s easy for the little things—like civility in the workplace—to fall by the wayside.
According to the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), nearly two-thirds of U.S. workers have experienced or witnessed incivility in their workplaces within the last month. Additionally, one-third of U.S. workers believe workplace conflict will increase over the next 12 months.
Civility isn’t just a ‘nice to have;’ it’s the glue that holds an organization together, creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and heard.
UT System Administration is seeking to do its part in civility by participating in the 1 Million Civil Conversations initiative spearheaded by SHRM. How do you get involved? Simply grab a cup of “civili-tea” and chat with a colleague. Share your commitment to civility by sharing your tips of turning tough talks to teamwork on social media and tagging the UT System. Use the hashtag #CivilityAtWork so that others can benefit from your tips!
As you chat, ask yourself:
- Am I a catalyst for civility?
- Do I value different viewpoints and opinions in my conversations with others?
- Do I encourage openness and honesty through my words and actions?
- Do I actively and empathetically listen?
- Do I model kindness and respect during difficult conversations?
How can we raise the bar on civility in our workspace? Here are some tips to get us started:
- Respect – Treat others with dignity and value their perspectives.
- Active Listening – Pay attention to what the other person is saying without interrupting.
- Empathy – Try to understand the other person’s feelings and viewpoint.
- Open-mindedness – Be willing to consider different perspectives and ideas.
- Clarity – Communicate your thoughts and feelings clearly and directly.
- Patience – Allow the conversation to unfold without rushing or forcing an outcome.
- Politeness – Use polite language and maintain a calm tone.
- Self-awareness – Be mindful of your own biases and emotions during the conversation.
- Honesty – Speak truthfully without being hurtful or offensive.
- Focus – Stay on topic and avoid bringing up unrelated issues.
