Can Civility Be the Game-Changer in Your Leadership Approach?

I've been reflecting on change and my responses to it this week in November. As a "change-maker" and willing experimenter, I view change as inevitable. Consequently, I advocate for constant adaptation, ensuring nothing becomes the status quo. Regular audits of past initiatives are a crucial part of my improvement process.

Throughout my career, I've encountered resistance to change and negative disruption of new ideas and technologies—AI is a current example. My approach is to instill high morale and spirit within individuals, executives, and workgroups. I work with enthusiasm, dedication, and confidence to inspire my clients.

In addition to these reflections, I'm excited to announce the launch of my new book, The People Dividend: Leadership Strategies for Unlocking Employee Potential, which is available for pre-order until November 19. Over the coming weeks, I'll share insights and experiences that have shaped this work on my social media channels.

Interestingly, many conversations this week have revolved around civility—a key theme in The People Dividend. This book emphasizes achieving desirable results through dignity, kindness, and respect.

I'll revisit and expand on these principles in upcoming articles and blog posts. Join me in exploring how dignity, kindness, respect, and civility can help achieve the People Dividend.

Pre-order your copy today and start your journey toward positive change! The link is in the comment box below.

Transitioning from thoughts on change and adaptability, I am reprising an article where kindness and civility take center stage. These aspects are not peripheral but central to leadership efficacy and organizational success.

Civility, Kindness, and Authentic Leadership in the Workplace
It is no secret that the workplace can be a stressful and sometimes difficult environment. With deadlines to meet, projects to complete, and constant demands from stakeholders, it can be easy to forget the importance of treating those around us with kindness and respect. However, it is essential to remember that civility and kindness in the workplace can profoundly impact our careers and the success of a team and an organization. In this blog post, I will discuss the importance of civility and kindness in the workplace and how these qualities can help to improve your career prospects and make you a more effective and authentic leader.

As a starting point, let's agree that organizational leaders who are seen as respectful, considerate, and helpful are more likely to earn the trust and respect of their employees. In turn, these employees are more likely to be engaged in their work, motivated to do their best, and willing to go above and beyond for the organization. In other words, being civil and kind can directly impact an organization's bottom line.

Creating Positive Work Environments
When we think about what it takes to be a successful leader, we often think of qualities like intelligence, charisma, and decisiveness. While these qualities are certainly important, they are not the only things that make a great leader. In fact, one of the most important qualities of an effective leader is civility. Civility is simply defined as politeness and courteous behavior. It is about treating others with respect, being considerate of their feelings, and behaving in a way that shows you value them as individuals.

Civility and kindness are essential aspects of authentic leadership. Authentic leaders are those who are able to be their true selves in any situation. They are comfortable in their skin and are able to relate to others with kindness and civility, even when situations are challenging.

Authentic leaders understand that workplace relationships are built on trust and respect, which can only be achieved through genuine interactions. Additionally, authentic leaders know that being kind and civil is a sign of strength and confidence, two essential qualities for any leader.

By being civil and kind to others, you create a positive work environment and help colleagues develop their careers. These authentic leadership actions are essential for a productive and successful organization.

Demonstrating the Significance of Civility
There are a few key reasons why civility is important in workplaces. First, when leaders are civil and respectful to those around them, it creates a positive work environment. Employees who feel valued and respected are more likely to be engaged in their work and motivated to bring their best. Additionally, civility can help build trust, a cornerstone of leading authentically. Finally, being civil and kind can also help you advance your career. Employees who feel appreciated and supported by their leaders are likelier to be loyal and advocate for them, which can lead to promotions and other opportunities.

So, how can you be more civil and kind in the workplace? You can do a few simple things to make a positive impact. First, take the time to get to know your employees and their individual needs and preferences. This will help you treat them as individuals rather than just another name on a list. Additionally, be sure to listen more than you speak, and always give people the benefit of the doubt. Finally, remember that small gestures can go a long way. Something as simple as saying thank you or offering encouragement can make a big difference in someone's day-to-day experience at work.

When you make a conscious effort to be civil and kind in the workplace, you create a positive environment that benefits everyone. Your employees will feel appreciated and supported, and your authentic leadership will help build trust and respect. These things are essential for any organization, so start demonstrating the power of civility today.

Demonstrating Kindness as an Authentic Leader
When leaders are kind, it signals to employees that they are valued and appreciated. It can inspire employees to be more productive and help create a positive work environment.

Authentic leadership has been shown to be associated with managerial and leadership effectiveness, as well as employee productivity, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. Authentic leaders are clear about their values and purpose and behave in a way that aligns with these values. Authentic leaders also create an environment in which employees feel comfortable being themselves and can do their best work. One way to demonstrate authentic leadership is through acts of kindness.

For example, a manager might listen to an employee's concerns or praise them for a job well done. A leader might also create opportunities for employees to give back to the community or support one another. Additionally, organizational leaders can sponsor resource groups and encourage allies. By demonstrating kindness at work, managers and leaders can set the tone for treating others with kindness and respect.

Conclusion
Leaders, your success depends on how you treat people.

We all desire to be seen, heard and acknowledged. When we operate from a place of kindness and civility, we give others the opportunity to do just that – see us, listen to us, and acknowledge us. That's what it means to lead authentically – with our whole hearts, in a way that is true to ourselves.

Leaders who embody kindness and civility create an environment where people feel safe to be themselves. They encourage authenticity in their team, fostering creativity and productivity. This is why it's so important for leaders to develop these essential aspects of authenticity in themselves.

Being a good leader isn't about being perfect – it's about being authentic and real. Treating people with respect will take you far!

What are your experiences? Let me know in the comments! I would love to hear how you've used these principles in your work or personal life.

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