Civility Isn't Nice! It's the New Competitive Edge.

It's the new competitive edge!

We don’t usually think of civility as a hard business skill. But right now, in workplaces across the country, it’s becoming the new competitive edge. Teams that communicate with respect and curiosity—not sarcasm and shutdown—innovate faster, retain talent longer, and create cultures where people want to stay.

Yet many leaders are quietly afraid to tackle civility. Not because they don’t care, but because they’re not trained for it. They’re not sure how to have hard conversations about behavior, and they don’t feel supported by their own leaders when they try. Avoiding isn’t a solution. Cancelling isn’t a solution. And while we can’t always change someone else, we can learn how to understand them—and help set better norms.

So where do you start? Learn about one tool at the end!

Here are five practical ways to begin teaching and training for civility in your workplace—steps that also spill over into our personal lives:

1. Define Civility Together

Instead of assuming everyone knows what “professional” means, co-create a simple set of behavioral expectations with your team. When people help define the standards, they’re more likely to live them. Be inclusive in setting the standards!

2. Model It at the Top

Leaders can’t outsource civility. A calm, respectful tone in tense meetings speaks louder than any policy. Your team will follow what you do more than what you post on the wall. Use constructive language and encourage constructive conflict to aid in respectful communication.

3. Train for Real Conversations

Talk through tough scenarios. Use Fail Forward Fridays to encourage people to share the challenges from the week and work through the scenarios. Practice listening, asking clarifying questions, and giving feedback without blame. Civility isn’t a soft skill—it’s a trainable skill.

4. Recognize and Reward Positive Behavior

Catch people doing it right. Publicly appreciate moments of respectful disagreement or helpful collaboration. This signals what gets celebrated in your culture.

5. Use Tools That Reveal Differences

Frameworks like DISC or “Speak Your Peace” can help people see how others communicate and why misunderstandings happen. Understanding differences makes empathy—and civility—easier.

Leaders don’t have to navigate this alone. I’m hosting Live2Lead in three locations, an exclusive rebroadcast of international thought leaders who equip leaders like you to take on the tough issues—civility included. If you’re ready to make civility your competitive edge, reserve your seat now and bring your team. Or I can bring it to your team with a private, in-company event.

Let’s Elev8 Together

I’d love for you — and your team — to join me at one of this year’s Live2Lead events. You can find register and find more info here: 👉 Live2Lead 

Bring your team. Bring your challenges. Bring your curiosity.

Let’s reignite engagement, leadership, and growth — one step at a time