Remember to say 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞..

Not too long ago, I was reminded of some behaviours that we ought to avoid, namely, criticising, mocking or ignoring others, in other words incivility – it isn’t very pleasant.

Incivility- “rude or unsociable speech or behaviour.”

Its opposite is civility – “formal politeness and courtesy in behaviour or speech.”

Georgetown University professor Christine Porath, found that people who are civil are viewed as better leaders.

“Civility lifts people up,” she says. “We will get people to give more and function at their best if we’re civil. Incivility hijacks performance. It robs people of their potential. … When we have more civil environments, we are more productive, creative, helpful, happy and healthy. We can do better. Each one of us can lift others up.”

Far more important, are the things we do instead….

Do you use the word please?

When did you last compliment someone on a job well done?

Do you listen and seek to understand another person’s views?

How often do you give others the benefit of the doubt?

Do our words, our actions, and even the expression on our face communicate to people around us that we value and respect them?

Think what could happen in our homes, offices, classrooms, and numerous other places if we just treated others with more civility, kindness, politeness and respect.

Think what could happen to our relationships, to our health and well-being.

Yes, life is stressful and often uncivil, but we can change that – little by little – as we choose to embrace civility and simply say please.