Here’s some bad news: as the financial crunch continues, I predict a significant rise in incivility-related phenomena in the workplace.
Incivility, or lack of regard of employees for one another, can show up in such behaviour as rebuking a subordinate in public, making sarcastic comments about a colleague in front of a customer, refusing to help someone out or (exceptionally common) skipping greeting and acknowledgments such as `good morning’ or `hello’.
As stress levels rise as a result of the financial doom and gloom atmosphere swirling around us, civil behaviours gradually get dropped and incivility begins to be the norm. Research suggests that incivility in the workplace has far-reaching, measurable harmful impacts on the business. Yet, in most organizations these behaviours remain below the radar screen and most managers are ill-equipped to address them. Indeed, my work with many organizations confirms the accuracy of the research.
I also predict that as incivility rises, so will harassment. It’s simple: when unaddressed, little things lead to bigger ones.
But it’s not all bad news. The good news is that with proper awareness, good training, decisive action and sustained vigilance, organizations can significantly decrease levels of incivility, regardless of how hard the financial times and stress levels may be. And wouldn’t it be nice, when the going gets tough, to find comfort in small acts of consideration and support?
Feel free to contact me anytime.
If you are managing someone who is an abrasive leader, or if you are a manager who was told that you are abrasive – we are always here to help with a (free) perspective or input.
