Welcome to the Tero March eZine

There is a lot of talk about civility this month. We have recently seen displayed in the public arena of politics many approaches to communication that appear to lack civility. When this happens, we become more aware of what things look like and feel like when an attention to civility seems to be forgotten. More importantly we realize how little we can really accomplish without it. And yet the call for it must begin not with others, but with us.

These observations beg the question, "Is civility alive and well in your organization? In you? If so, how is it demonstrated?"

One of the basic underpinnings of an attention to civility is the idea of respect.

Aretha Franklin's legendary song "Respect" communicates a call for respect in a very personal relationship. Yet one line applies not just to the essence of what respect is personally but professionally as well.

The line where Aretha spells out the word respect by singing each letter, R-E-S-P-E-C-T, and then saying, "Find out what that means to me" is telling. It informs us.

Respect, the essence of it, the ability to give it, relies on understanding.

Do we know what the hot buttons are of someone we work with? If we do, we can avoid triggering or overreacting, and in that way respect their personhood and alleviate potential conflict.

Are we aware of the personality type of those closest to us, so that we know better how they approach tasks and communication? If so, respecting them through honoring and acknowledging their strengths and style becomes easier.

Do we treat others in casual conversations in ways they feel valued?

Have we learned enough about the cultural background of our business partner to understand how respect is shown in their culture?

Finding out what respect means to others allows us the opportunity to give it in more personal and authentic ways.

And knowing ourselves interpersonally allows us to communicate what we expect in a respectful relationship. The ability to do that truly communicates R-E-S-P-E-C-T for ourselves and others.

This month's eZine is devoted to a topic that relies on respect and is necessary to workplace success: civility. The Q and A provides strategies for dealing with incidents where respect is lacking in workplace conversations. The development activity explains a technique we can use to make everyone we talk to feel valued. The resources are a mosaic of the latest articles and thoughts in the public arena on how to ensure civility reigns in your organization. The article demonstrates diplomacy and respect are not reserved for the 'big' moments in life, but are often best displayed in the 'small' moments. Last, we hope the inspiration inspires you to make civility your personal mission at work. It can only be inherent in our organization if it is found in each of us personally. And if civility is found in each of us, it is less likely to be forgotten and more difficult to overlook.