21 Quotes to Help Every People Leader Deal with Incivility at Work

In today’s work environment, workplace incivility has become a common issue. It is characterized by rude or disrespectful behavior directed toward colleagues or clients. It can range from ignoring people, excluding them, or failing to acknowledge their presence. It can also be seen in sarcastic remarks, belittling comments, and passive-aggressive behavior that disrupt the workplace’s harmony and productivity. Studies have shown that incivility is a risk to employee wellbeing and can decrease job satisfaction and impact mental health. As a leader, you have the responsibility to curb incivility in the workplace.

Addressing incivility at work is crucial for leaders as it helps foster a positive and inclusive work environment, leading to increased employee engagement, higher productivity, and reduced turnover rates. When leaders work to minimize incivility, they demonstrate their commitment to creating a respectful and supportive atmosphere where employees feel valued and empowered. Moreover, by addressing these issues proactively, leaders can set clear expectations for behavior and maintain a high standard of professionalism within the organization. Ultimately, tackling incivility in the workplace benefits individual employees and contributes to the company’s overall success and growth.

One notable example of an executive successfully handling a case of incivility at work is the story of Jane, a vice president at a leading tech firm, and my client Jane received complaints from several employees about a manager with a history of making sarcastic remarks and belittling team members. Instead of brushing off the issue, I coached Jane to take immediate action by scheduling a meeting with the manager to address the concerns. I encouraged Jane to express empathy and provide specific examples of the manager’s uncivil behavior, emphasizing its impact on employee morale and team cohesion. As an organizational leader, Jane must also model and reinforce the company’s values and expectations.

Based on our coaching plan, Jane worked with the manager to develop a plan to rectify the situation, including attending a professional development workshop on communication and management styles and regularly scheduled progress check-ins. The manager eventually adjusted his behavior, substantially improving team dynamics and reducing employee complaints.

I am proud of Jane’s decisive and empathetic approach to addressing incivility and demonstrating the importance of fostering a respectful work environment and its positive impact on organizational success. Her work inspired me to compile 21 quotes to help others handle workplace incivility.

21 Quotes to Uplift Workplace Leaders Dealing with Incivility

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

The tone you set as a leader impacts your team’s culture. If you exhibit respectful behavior, others in your group will likely follow suit.

“When people are rude to you, they reveal who they are, not who you are. Don’t take it personally.” – Unknown

Uncivil behavior towards you says more about the person being rude than it does about you. Don’t take it personally and try to keep your calm.

“Being sarcastic is like throwing a grenade. It might explode in someone’s face, causing more damage than intended.” – Unknown

Sarcasm is a form of communication that can lead to misunderstandings and create an unwelcoming environment. Choose clear and direct communication to foster a more inclusive workplace.

“To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Empathy is a powerful tool to manage incivility. Try to see the situation from the other person’s point of view and respond with kindness.

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar

Sometimes, it may feel overwhelming to address incivility. But taking small steps can lead to significant changes.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Your behavior towards others can leave a lasting impact. Try to make everyone feel respected and valued.

“One kind word can change someone’s entire day.” – Unknown

Simple acts of kindness can go a long way in promoting civility in the workplace.

“Civility costs nothing and buys everything.” – Mary Wortley Montagu

Promoting civility in the workplace can lead to better teamwork, communication, and overall productivity.

“We don’t have to agree on anything to be kind to one another.” – Unknown

You may have disagreements with your colleagues, but that doesn’t mean you have to be uncivil towards them.

“Respect is not a gift, it’s something you earn.” – Unknown

Earn respect through actions, not demands.

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela

Even if you encounter incivility, rise above it and respond positively.

“Our task must be to free ourselves…by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.” – Albert Einstein

Expanding your circle of compassion can help you relate to others better and understand their behavior.

“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” – Henry Ford

Teamwork and collaboration can help build a culture of civility.

“Be the reason someone smiles today.” – Unknown

Simple acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s day.

“The true test of a leader is how well you function in a crisis.” – Brian Tracy

Dealing with incivility can be challenging. A leader must remain calm and respond appropriately in a crisis.

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Promoting civility doesn’t have to be aggressive; sometimes, a gentle approach can be just as practical.

“Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” – Dalai Lama

Don’t let the actions of others impact your emotional well-being.

“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein

Dealing with incivility can be an opportunity to learn and grow as a leader.

“Your attitude determines your altitude.” – Zig Ziglar

Your attitude towards incivility can significantly impact your ability to address it.

“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others.” – Douglas MacArthur

Being a leader requires a combination of confidence, courage, and compassion.

“You have within you right now, everything you need to deal with whatever the world can throw at you.” – Brian Tracy

You have the skills and resources to deal with incivility in the workplace.

In conclusion, coping with workplace incivility requires a combination of empathy, resilience, and leadership. As executives, you can shape your organization’s culture and create an environment where respect and civility thrive. Embrace the wisdom in these quotes and use them to inspire positive change in your workplace. Remember, a single act of kindness, clear communication, or a gentle approach can significantly foster a respectful atmosphere that benefits everyone.

Don’t let workplace incivility hinder your organization’s success. I encourage you to schedule a 15-minute strategy call with me to discuss how to effectively address incivility and create a more inclusive and harmonious work environment. Together, we can uplift your workplace and empower your team to achieve greater heights.

How can you and your team actively implement the principles of empathy, open communication, and kindness in your daily interactions to foster a more inclusive and respectful work environment, contributing to increased productivity and overall success?