Being uncivil to your coworkers is bad for business

In a compelling TED Talk, Christine Porath invites us to explore the profound impact of our daily interactions—particularly how civility and incivility shape our lives and organisations. At its heart, the talk challenges us to consider a deceptively simple question:

Who do you want to be?

Our actions, both large and small, answer this question daily. How we treat others—whether we lift them up with respect and kindness or bring them down with rudeness—defines who we are and significantly influences our professional success. Porath’s research reveals that incivility is not merely a minor annoyance but a serious issue with far-reaching consequences.

Incivility, encompassing behaviours from mockery and belittling to insensitive remarks and neglectful texting, impacts more than just the recipient. It acts as a social “bug,” spreading and influencing everyone who witnesses or even hears about it. Research shows that incivility reduces motivation, hampers performance, and, alarmingly, can even compromise critical decisions, as observed in the medical field.

Porath’s personal experiences lend depth to her message. Observing her father suffer from work-related stress due to an uncivil boss, and encountering similar environments early in her career, inspired her to investigate the effects of incivility. Her findings are stark: workplaces plagued by rudeness experience decreased productivity, increased turnover, and a toxic atmosphere that affects all employees, not just the direct victims.

The talk highlights a crucial insight: while incivility often arises from stress or a misguided belief that toughness is essential for leadership, it ultimately undermines success. Incivility is contagious, and its negative effects ripple through organisations and communities. Conversely, civility fosters respect, enhances motivation, and builds stronger, more effective teams.

Porath emphasises that addressing incivility involves more than simply avoiding negative behaviour; it requires actively cultivating positive interactions. Small acts—such as acknowledging others, expressing thanks, and maintaining a respectful attitude—can make a significant difference. Leaders who model civility not only boost morale but also drive performance and foster loyalty.

The transformation witnessed at Campbell’s Soup Company under Doug Conant’s leadership exemplifies the power of civility. By prioritising respect and engagement, Conant revitalised the company, turning it from a struggling entity into a thriving, award-winning organisation.

In conclusion, Porath’s talk serves as a powerful reminder that the choice we make in each interaction matters profoundly. By embracing civility, we can uplift those around us, enhance our own effectiveness, and create environments where everyone can thrive.

The choice is ours: to spread respect or perpetuate the damaging effects of incivility. Each interaction is an opportunity to shape our professional and personal lives for the better.

Simply ask yourself every day:

Who do you want to be?

What do you want to do?

Lift people up, or hold people down…  

In this science-backed talk, Christine Porath reveals unexpected insights into the consequences of rudeness and demonstrates how small gestures of respect can enhance your professional success and improve your company’s financial performance.
Link to full TED talk:  http://t.ted.com/WZIydqI