This document outlines the program for a conference on workplace civility. It discusses definitions of civility and incivility, examples of positive and negative workplace behaviors, barriers to effectiveness like bullying and mobbing, and strategies for creating a culture of civility. The purpose is to raise awareness of issues around workplace interactions and enhance the quality of the work environment.

1. Making a Good Workplace Great CDL Conference 2010

2. Introductions Julie Gedro, Central New York Mentor, Faculty Chair, Forum Director Mary Morton , Office of the President Affirmative Action Officer

3. Program Outline Introduction Purpose University and College Vision Civility Terms and Concepts Interactive Case Study & Reporting Out Communication Exercise Wrap-up

4. Purpose Evoke dialogue and raise awareness around workplace civility. Discuss the alignment of university initiatives with our college strategic initiatives. Discuss ethical, moral and legal implications that arise out of incivility in the workplace. Enhance the quality of work life.

5. SUNY’s Core Values Student Centeredness – Keep students at the center of all we do Community Engagement – learning goes both ways Diversity & Acceptance – it makes us stronger and smarter Integrity and Collegiality – It’s the bedrock of our business Collaboration – makes our expertise more powerful

6. College Strategic Plan Vision Statement – reads in part: “ The college, as a premier institution for adult learning within SUNY and across the nation… The college creates and supports cooperative initiatives among all segments of the population to foster respect, civility and a welcoming environment .”

7. Vision 2015 Three Strategic Themes: A. Innovative learning organization B. Sustaining and Management Growth C. Telling our Story

8. Strategic Theme “A” To be an innovative, learning organization, we need to: Do better by our learners Do better by each other Developing a culture innovation, reflections and continuous improvement

9. Civility in the Workplace

10. Definitions Civility: “Civility is the sum of the many sacrifices of living together.” (Carter, 1998, in Estes and Wang, 2008) Incivility: “Low intensity deviant behavior with ambiguous intent to harm the target, in violation of workplace norms for mutual respect.” Pearson (1999, in Estes and Wang)

11. Incivility Examples Condescending and demeaning comments Overruling decisions without a reason Disrupting meetings Giving public reprimands Talking about someone behind his or her back

12. Incivility Examples Giving others the silent treatment Ignoring someone Not giving credit where it is due Sexually harassing someone Giving dirty looks or negative eye contact Insulting or yelling (Estes & Wang)

13. Negative Behaviors: Rude comments Insensitive actions Unintentional slights Complaining Gossip/rumors Cultural bias Crude jokes Profanity

14. Verbal and Physical Aggression Yelling / loud voice Belittling comments Intimidation / threats Discriminatory comments Cursing at someone Humiliation Assault / Battery Throwing objects Violent outbursts (e.g., hitting the wall) Inappropriate touching Harassment

15. Positive Behaviors Can you identify characteristics of an effective workplace?

16. Barriers to Effectiveness What are some individual and organizational barriers to effectiveness?

17. Barriers to Effectiveness Bullying : Repeated, health-harming mistreatment of one or more persons (the targets) by one or more perpetrators. May include : Offensive conduct/behaviors which are threatening, humiliating or intimidating Work interference -- sabotage -- which prevents work from getting done.

18. Bullying Tactics False accusations of errors not actually made Staring or glaring Discounting the other person’s contributions “ Freezing out” and isolating and employee from others Exhibiting mood swings in front of the work group

19. Barriers to Effectiveness Mobbing Mobbing is emotional abuse in the workplace. "Ganging up" by co-workers, subordinates or superiors, to force someone out of the workplace through rumor, innuendo, intimidation, humiliation, discrediting, and isolation . Malicious, non-sexual, non-racial, general harassment.

20. Small Group Scenario’s 10 Minutes – Work in small groups – read and discuss scenario Reporting out

21. Expectations Exercise Individual Exercise: On a piece of paper, record 5 items that you expect from colleagues in the workplace on a day-to-day basis (office etiquette). Examples: Pick up an item that has fallen on the floor rather than stepping over it Fill up the copier if it has run out of paper

22. Expectations Exercise Place a check next to each item that you agree should be an “unwritten rule”. Report out

23. So….What can you take back?

24. A Culture of Civility Clearly define expectations for how employees treat each other Learn social norms and customs Have a cooperative approach Learn tolerances Recognize individual differences Be open to adapting your position Leaders model civility for others Reward civil behavior

25. Focus on common ground rather than differences

26. Make the workplace BETTER!

27. Questions??? THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING