Sessions

Many managers would say that incivility is wrong, but not all recognize that it has tangible costs. Performance and team spirit can deteriorate, and creativity will suffer simply by witnessing incivility. The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) began a civility initiative with the aim of engaging employees in emphasizing positive and respectful behavior in the workplace. The message was that together, employees and management could unite to enhance respect, empathy and consideration throughout the agency. As part of the initiative, AOC instituted 10 Principles of Civility to serve as reminders of actions everyone could take each day to positively impact the work environment. The principles range from Acknowledging Others to Speaking Kindly to Taking Responsibility. This highly successful initiative has resonated within the agency, in addition to externally, with other organizations interested in creating their own civility effort. This session will discuss:

• The costs of incivility.
• How to embark on a long-term effort to create a stronger workplace.
• How to engage an organization in a corporate conversation about civility.
• How to embed civility principles into everyday activities.