Incivility: Turning Workplace Tension into Transformation

A recent Fortune article sheds light on the escalating issue of workplace incivility, noting a nearly 20% increase in tension this year, fueled by factors like return-to-office mandates, layoffs, and political stressors. 

This rise in incivility—manifesting as micromanaging, gaslighting, and gossip—poses significant risks to organizational health. Employees subjected to such behaviors often experience decreased morale, reduced productivity, and increased turnover. And, if employees believe their managers can't effectively handle incivility, it highlights a critical leadership gap. ​

But here's the opportunity: By fostering Conversations Worth Having, organizations can transform these challenges into catalysts for positive change.​

Real-Life Scenarios and CWH Applications

BUSINESS SECTOR:

Scenario: A team experiences increased micromanagement, leading to frustration and disengagement.​

CWH Approach:

• Flip: Our team members are not being micro-managed..

• Positive Frame: Trust and autonomy flourish within our team.

• Generative Question: [for management] What do you need to trust the team and empower them so you are freed up from needing to micro-manage them?

NON-PROFIT SECTOR:

Scenario: Volunteers feel their contributions are undervalued, leading to decreased participation.​

CWH Approach:

• Flip: Volunteers feel valued and increase their level of participation.

• Positive Frame: Volunteers feel so valued, we always have many helping hands.

• Generative Question: What helps you feel most connected and valued when you volunteer here?​

HEALTHCARE SECTOR:

Scenario: Nurses experience dismissive behavior from physicians, affecting team cohesion.​

CWH Approach:

• Flip: Nurses feel they are a valued part of the team.

• Positive Frame: Mutual respect, trust, and inclusion are the foundation of our team.

• Generative Question: What communication practices and team behaviors reflect mutual respect, trust and inclusion?

K–12 EDUCATION SECTOR:

Scenario: Teachers are increasingly feeling challenged by parents who question their professional judgment.​

CWH Approach:

• Flip: Teachers feel respected as a professional by parents. 

• Positive Frame: Parents and teachers trust and support one another as true partners in student success.

• Generative Question: What does you student need to succeed in today's world and how we can both be the best for your student?

Calculating the ROI of CWH Practices

Implementing CWH practices can lead to:​

• Reduced Turnover: Lower recruitment and training costs.

• Increased Productivity: Enhanced employee engagement and efficiency.

• Improved Morale: Fostering a positive work environment.​

For instance, if a company reduces turnover by 10% through improved workplace culture, it could save significant costs associated with hiring and training new employees.

A Thought to Take With You 

In every challenging conversation, there’s a choice:
to react or to rise,
to fracture or to forge connection.

Let’s build the future—one conversation at a time.

Ready to transform your organization's conversations? Explore our CWH Foundations Course (special introductory pricing and discount through May 30, 2025), attend a Bootcamp, or bring CWH Certification to your leadership team. Together, we can create workplaces where everyone thrives.​

Explore our CWH Resources: Books, QuickStart Guides, and Shift This! Game

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