According to Georgetown University researcher Christine Porath, more than 40 percent of employees say they hesitate to show civility at work because they fear people will take advantage of them. The workplace, with its reliance on technology as a primary means for communication, increasingly distances us from face-to-face interactions. This, in turn, makes many of us a rusty on the social niceties necessary for a high-functioning workplace.
Source: SmartBrief, November 14, 2017.
Unfortunately, bad behaviors can be as contagious as a flu bug. Research has shown that we unconsciously mimic behaviors of those around us, including rude behavior. Start with your own actions: reflect on your emails, texts and in-person communication with your team.
INSIGHTS: Even more frightening than the interpersonal issues within employee teams is the tendency for uncivil behaviors to surface with customers.