The Positive Influence of Compassionate & Conscious Leadership on Incivility

In the corridors of modern workplaces, a silent menace often lurks beneath the surface – workplace incivility. Characterised by acts of disrespect, rudeness, or dismissiveness, incivility can poison the well of organisational culture, sowing seeds of discord and discontent among employees. However, amidst the chaos and turmoil, there exists a powerful and credible antidote – compassionate leadership. In this article, we delve into the insidious nature of workplace incivility, examine the principles of compassionate and conscious leadership, and illuminate its profound impact on cultivating a culture of respect, empathy, and collaboration.

Understanding workplace incivility: What exactly is it?

Imagine yourself in a meeting, enthusiastically presenting your ideas, only to be met with disdainful glances and dismissive remarks from colleagues. That could present as innocuously as an eye roll, someone playing on their phone or smashing out an email loudly on their laptop. Or perhaps you find yourself on the receiving end of constant interruptions or passive-aggressive behaviour from a co-worker. These seemingly minor acts of incivility can accumulate over time, poisoning the well of workplace interactions and eroding employee morale. From undermining confidence to fostering feelings of resentment and isolation, incivility can have far-reaching consequences, ultimately compromising organisational cohesion and performance.

The Risks and Ramifications of Workplace Incivility:

The impact of workplace incivility extends far beyond individual interactions, permeating the very fabric of organisational culture. Employees subjected to incivility experience heightened stress levels, diminished job satisfaction, and reduced productivity. Moreover, incivility can breed a culture of fear and mistrust, stifling creativity and innovation within the workplace. Left unchecked, it can escalate into more severe forms of harassment or discrimination, resulting in legal liabilities and reputational damage for organisations. Ultimately, workplace incivility undermines the psychological safety and well-being of employees, leading to increased absenteeism, turnover, and diminished organisational effectiveness.

During my 16 years working in the Prison Service, I witnessed some really tough and unpleasant behaviour towards others. It's not surprising considering the high-pressure and routine crisis environment prisoners and staff face every day. But on the flip side, I also saw some amazing acts of bravery and compassion from my colleagues. As a result, I became really passionate about adopting a more caring and supportive leadership style, both for the people I worked with and the processes we followed.

By acknowledging the negatives, it became easier for me to focus on the positives. Looking back, I'm proud of the prisoner peer support systems and the Staff Care Team I helped establish. These initiatives really made a difference for both prisoners and staff who were struggling. It was all about working together and rejecting the culture of incivility that was so prevalent in the prison environment. And seeing the positive impact we had on people's lives made it all worthwhile.

During our Compassionate Leadership training, we show a powerful video of a TEX talk, by Chris Turner. A seasoned and engaging consultant, who illustrates a situation where he has engaged in incivility himself, and the immediate responses, impact and legacy that produced. It’s a hard-hitting watch, but highlights beautifully, the impact of getting it wrong. Have watch of his talk here - 

The Essence of Compassionate & Conscious Leadership:

Amidst the tumult of workplace incivility, compassionate leadership emerges as a beacon of hope and resilience. Rooted in empathy, understanding, and fairness, compassionate leadership transcends traditional notions of authority, prioritising the holistic well-being and growth of employees. At its core, compassionate leadership is about fostering genuine connections, enabling listening with genuine curiosity and ultimately nurturing a culture of trust and psychological safety. This has the formidable effect of empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Thrive, not just survive. By leading with compassion, leaders create an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. It also supports the notion of people looking forward to coming to work, avoiding the anxiety drop of a Sunday evening which so many of us have experienced and generates that feeling of a sense of belonging to something worthwhile.

For an example of compassionate leadership in action, in Bob Chapman's book, "Everybody Matters" he presents his refreshingly real world approach to leadership and the impact on organisational culture that centres on the concept of genuinely valuing and caring for every individual within the company Barry-Wehmiller . 

This is a book I have bought and given out to so many leaders, as it depicts so beautifully the impact of creating a culture within a company that values the precious asset of people. 

Within his book he illustrates the points that it is essential for businesses to prioritise people over profits and recognise employees as individuals with genuine value and worth, rather than a mere expendable resource. This really is the bedrock of compassionate leadership, formed around a truly aspirational leader with people at the heart of the business priorities. 

Bob's book serves as a poignant reminder that when leaders prioritise the well-being and development of their people, everyone ultimately benefits. 

By establishing a work environment that fosters respect, empowerment, and motivation, encouraging individuals to give their best true belonging and pride are apparent within the workplace. By cultivating a true culture of honesty, trust, transparency, and empathy, organisations can organically reduce the risk of incivility becoming the norm, which has direct positive consequences affecting retention, performance and overall culture. 

Conscious Leadership goes beyond empathy and understanding, delving into the realms of self-awareness, authenticity, and purpose-driven action. Leaders who embody Conscious Leadership are not only attuned to the needs and concerns of their team members but also deeply connected to their own values and intentions. By fostering a culture of mindfulness and introspection, Conscious Leaders inspire others to tap into their innate potential and contribute meaningfully to the collective vision.

It taps into Gilberts model of Emotional regulation, recognising the three elements - Threat, Drive and Calm and actively looks to the use self-awareness to reduce the threat metric, and create an aspirational culture of emulating this among peers and team members to reduce the high risk 'Threat' response as the go-to.

Examples of Compassionate and Conscious Leadership in Action:

Conflict Resolution: When conflicts arise, compassionate leaders approach the situation with empathy and impartiality, seeking to understand the underlying issues and perspectives of all parties involved. It also takes courage to do this! Courage from the status quo, and from the recognised Hem & Haw’ing that we’re so used to witnessing. Rather than resorting to blame or punishment, the compassionate leader facilitates an open dialogue and constructive resolution, promoting understanding and reconciliation among team members.

Recognition and Appreciation: Compassionate leaders recognise and appreciate the contributions of their team members, fostering a culture of gratitude and acknowledgment within the organisation. Whether through public praise, personalised notes, or small gestures of appreciation, they make employees feel valued and respected, reinforcing positive behaviour and organisational values. In my own team, we foster a system of feedback, where we practise an exercise of elements that we appreciate about each other, which really lifts the team and promotes that consciousness of how we are perceived as individuals. 

Setting Clear Expectations: Compassionate leaders establish clear guidelines for behaviour and performance, outlining expectations and consequences transparently. By providing guidance and support, they empower employees to navigate challenging situations with integrity and accountability, fostering a culture of mutual respect and responsibility.

Training and Development: Compassionate leaders invest in the natural growth and development of their team members, seeking out ideas and opportunities in equipping them with the skills and resources needed to grow. Through training initiatives, coaching and mentorship programmes, and opportunities for growth, they foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement, empowering individuals to overcome obstacles, build resilience through experience and realise their full potential. Through practices such as meditation, reflection, and active listening, Conscious Leaders cultivate a sense of presence and clarity, enabling them to navigate complex challenges with grace and resilience.

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: Compassionate leaders champion diversity and inclusion within the organisation, celebrating differences and creating opportunities for all employees to thrive. By embracing a culture of acceptance and belonging, they mitigate the risk of discriminatory behaviour and exclusion, creating a sense of unity and solidarity among team members.

To Summarise:

In the complex tapestry of organisational life, workplace incivility poses a significant threat to employee well-being and organisational success. However, through the lens of compassionate leadership, we find a path towards reconciliation and renewal. By embracing empathy, understanding, and fairness, leaders can mitigate the prevalence of incivility and foster a culture of harmony, respect, and collaboration. In doing so, they not only safeguard the psychological safety and well-being of their employees but also pave the way for enduring organisational success and prosperity. 

Conscious Leadership encourages leaders to lead from the heart, aligning their actions with their core values and making decisions that serve the greater good. In the context of preventing workplace incivility, Conscious Leadership adds depth and nuance, offering a holistic approach that transcends traditional notions of leadership. By embracing Conscious Leadership principles, leaders can create an environment where compassion, empathy, and authenticity thrive, fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and collective growth. As we navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, let compassion be our guiding principle, illuminating the path towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Finally, let's take a moment to think about these 3 questions on the image below, with a focus on being self-aware and open to vulnerability. It's a great check-in to recognise achievement and exploring the avenues for seeking support.