Why Civility Matters: Is Your Culture Dead?
Dr. Will Moreland
Hall of Fame Business Executive/President at Moreland Training and Associates/ Top 30 Keynote Speaker in the World/Army Veteran
I recently came across this article that shocked me. The headline read “Arizona Wells Fargo employee found dead in her cubicle.” ?One, I live in Arizona, so that got my attention. The second thing was the word “found.” This now piqued my curiosity. As I began to read the article, my heart began to sink. Not only was Denise Prudhomme found dead at her desk in her cubicle, but she was also found dead after 4 days of being at her desk. Yes, you read that right, FOUR DAYS!!!
So many questions began to race through my mind. Even more so because of the work that I do. As a Civility, Culture and Employee Care Expert I travel the nation training leaders and organizations on the power of “Civility in the Workplace.”
Now, the easy thing to do is to highlight and point out the many wrong things that have happened in this unfortunate situation. But I would rather reenforce a message that I have been sharing for almost 20 years, “Civility Matters.”
For me, Civility is not just some new buzz word, or a replacement word for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Civility is my heartbeat. It’s my passion.
When I think about this situation, many questions come to my mind.
·???????? No one said good morning to Denise Prudhomme each morning
·???????? No one said good night to Denise Prudhomme each evening
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·???????? Did anyone call her over the four days
I have read several versions of this story, one article said it wasn’t until her boss hadn’t received a reply to an email after several days, that the boss enquired about Denise. Another article said that it wasn’t until co-workers smelled an unpleasant smell that Denise was found at her cubicle.
I know that you may be thinking how could Wells Fargo allow this to happen. But I commonly remind people that Wells Fargo just like any other company is just a name. What we need to address is the culture. People make up the culture of a company.
I don’t know the full story. I am mainly going off assumptions here. But I can’t stop thinking and asking myself, no one in the cubicle to the left or the right of her had a relationship with Denise? No good morning pleasantries?
I want all of us to take this opportunity to ask ourselves, “Am I being a good neighbor?”
We have to care enough to check on each other.
I want to challenge every leader reading this, and ask you the question, “Are you creating a Culture of Civility??” Where team members, employees and staff are safe.
I would love to support you and your organization in creating a "Culture of Civility?."
Born in the USA
2 个月Don't forget to remind your elected representative about this case. Colleagues were mistaking the smell of death for faulty plumbing. Is propping up a market on the back of American's health, livelihood and decency -- just because politicians/investors have CRE interest -- the 'free market' or capitalism? Or is it barbarism and what happens when we mix up democracy and corporatocracy? https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative Josh Gottheimer
US Army Veteran/22 years of Fortune 100 experience leading risk management initiatives
2 个月There is so much to unpack with this crazy story. Here in AZ it is a major story and it has been interesting to watch how various people have reacted. Like you, I wondered: 4 days? She was slumped on top of her desk, dead, for four days. Nobody noticed the dead 60 year old colleague on her desk? Nobody from security did any sweeps of the floor in 4 days? Thank god the building is still secure. Nobody cleaned that entire area for 4 days? It is bad enough that post Rona we are being forced back into offices for no reason, now we have no assigned desks, no security (apparently), and no cleaning staff. To me, this not just a dead culture, it is a serial killer’s dream. The return to office mandates are and remain ridiculous if the role doesn’t need it, but if you are going to force us back in, can you at least cover my dead body with a blanket before all the executives go to their 2 week “off site” in Tahiti while we literally are abandoned to die at our desks? This story should be a much bigger one in my opinion. It is not like Wells has been a complaint, customer service focused bank (just look at the last 10 years and how from the top down they aggressively harmed thier customers).
President ~ Paine Consulting Services
2 个月Will... I'm delighted that you've spoken to this situation in the context of civility. We too were stunned that no one...no fellow employee or supervisor...took note of their colleague's situation. Ah, but there I go, using terms like "fellow" and "colleague" when the overarching spirit of both terms suggests a culture of community, caring and empathy. In this case, it appears that the design and culture of the workplace -- where humans are isolated in cubicles -- is a microcosm of the external environment where, for a variety of reasons, people have become more disconnected and part of the lonely crowd...where our sense of communication has been displaced by tribalism and polarization.I must tell you that you and I share the same concerns: In addition to my role as an organization development consultant, my broader focus has been on civility in the public square...the imperative of civil and informed discourse. Thus, I say amen to your assertion that "civility matters." Thank you.
Leadership and Business Management Consultant, Speaker and Bestselling Author
2 个月Well said, Will.
Assistant Dean & Assistant Professor
2 个月Tremendous message!