How much potential is lost when respect is missing from leadership?
💡 Did you know that 98% of people report experiencing incivility at work—and 99% say they’ve witnessed it?
(Source: Christine Porath, TED Talk on Civility)
Incivility isn’t just about “bad manners.” It’s costly, contagious, and corrosive for individuals, teams, and organizations. I’ve seen it in action myself, and the impact is undeniable.
Why This Matters
Christine Porath’s research highlights the steep costs of incivility:
80% of people who experienced incivility lost work time worrying about the incident.
66% cut back on their efforts at work.
25% admitted to taking their frustrations out on customers.
And 12% left their jobs entirely.
Beyond productivity, incivility damages health, focus, and creativity. People generate fewer ideas, take longer to make decisions, and disengage from what could have been great contributions.
And the ripple effect is powerful: leaders who foster—or tolerate—incivility lose credibility. They’re not seen as true leaders, but as figures of authority who diminish, rather than elevate, those around them.
The Steep Cost of Incivility
My Personal Reflection
In my own career, I’ve seen firsthand the difference civility makes. The best projects I’ve led—and the strongest teams I’ve been part of—were not defined by titles or authority, but by the way people felt.
When team members felt seen and listened to, when their ideas were valued, and when they were challenged to reach higher standards while still feeling supported and lifted up—that’s when the real magic happened.
I remain grateful to all those with whom I had the privilege to create great things together. Those experiences remind me daily that civility isn’t a “nice-to-have.” It’s the foundation of lasting impact.
Try This Instead
Civility isn’t complicated—it’s about making the small things a daily priority:
Redefine leadership → Don’t confuse authority with incivility. True leadership inspires.
Balance warmth and competence → Greeting colleagues, thanking people, and asking humble questions never diminish your ability to make strong decisions.
Make it second nature → Share credit, say thank you, and start conversations with genuine connection before diving into business.
✨ Research shows that when leaders practice civility, performance rises, collaboration strengthens, and innovation thrives.
How many touchpoints of civility have you demonstrated today?
Final Thoughts
Civility is contagious. If it doesn’t come naturally—or if time pressure tends to push it aside—set a simple daily goal: choose three people you’ll intentionally greet, thank, or lift up. Watch how quickly the ripple effect spreads.
If this resonates with you, or if you know someone who could benefit, please share this article with your network.
And if you’re ready to sharpen your leadership style and go from average to unforgettable, I’d be glad to partner with you. Let’s make sure the mark you leave as a leader is not just about results, but about how you make people feel.