Civility isn’t about avoiding disagreement. It’s about disagreeing well and keeping the difficult moments, whether in a work meeting or at the dinner table, productive and meaningful. Leaders can set this tone. The way you handle conflict, invite dissent and model respect filters through your entire organization.
.There are three steps that can take your leadership and organization to the next level. First, practice and model civility. Invite input from colleagues, listen to their ideas with curiosity and regulate your own reactions, especially under pressure.
Second, design your workspace for it: Create space for constructive dialogue and feedback. Encourage participatory decision-making, which builds critical thinking, persuasion and buy-in.
Third, always reward positive behavior. In order to see civility repeated, you have to reinforce it. Recognize employees who collaborate across lines of difference and contribute to a respectful culture. These behaviors can be learned and taught. Workplaces that invest in them are stronger for it.
