Having observed the workplace for many years, I can say with certainty that the trend at work is toward greater civility.
If only that were true in popular culture; it seems the present cultural norm is to yell, throw out innuendo and call people names.
Why is it important to talk about this? Why is it important to change the dynamic?
Because the lack of civility is toxic. It takes us nowhere.
This week in the news there was a great example of civility and what it accomplishes. A family with an autistic child boarded a United Airlines flight from San Diego to Houston. The child was overstimulated and would not take his seat for take-off. As opposed to kicking the family off the flight, three United flight attendants asked the family how they could help. They came up with a solution whereby the child could sit in his mother's lap, secured by his father, during take-off.
But wait - it doesn't end there. After take-off, the child was still restless. The crew allowed him to rest on the floor because the vibrations from the plane were comforting.
But wait - it doesn't end there. The child kicked a seated, off-duty flight attendant who was across the aisle. As opposed to a dirty scowl, the individual assured the family it was okay - even presenting the mother with a note of encouragement and support as the flight was ending.
And there's more - the child started kicking the seat of a passenger seated in first class. The gentleman, understanding the situation, assured all concerned that it was okay.
I suppose the child's behavior could be construed as disruptive, prompting grumbling and complaints - and everyone would have gotten off the flight in a foul mood. Instead, individuals pulled together as a community, led by the wisdom of the flight attendants - and I bet almost every individual who got off that flight felt good about what had been accomplished.
Community is built through civility.
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My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available through Amazon Kindle.
This week in the news there was a great example of civility and what it accomplishes. A family with an autistic child boarded a United Airlines flight from San Diego to Houston. The child was overstimulated and would not take his seat for take-off. As opposed to kicking the family off the flight, three United flight attendants asked the family how they could help. They came up with a solution whereby the child could sit in his mother's lap, secured by his father, during take-off.
But wait - it doesn't end there. After take-off, the child was still restless. The crew allowed him to rest on the floor because the vibrations from the plane were comforting.
But wait - it doesn't end there. The child kicked a seated, off-duty flight attendant who was across the aisle. As opposed to a dirty scowl, the individual assured the family it was okay - even presenting the mother with a note of encouragement and support as the flight was ending.
And there's more - the child started kicking the seat of a passenger seated in first class. The gentleman, understanding the situation, assured all concerned that it was okay.
I suppose the child's behavior could be construed as disruptive, prompting grumbling and complaints - and everyone would have gotten off the flight in a foul mood. Instead, individuals pulled together as a community, led by the wisdom of the flight attendants - and I bet almost every individual who got off that flight felt good about what had been accomplished.
Community is built through civility.
Like it? Share it!
My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available through Amazon Kindle.
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