Following along and learning from Kate Nasser’s weekly twitter chat has proved to be insightful. This is the third post based on learnings from the chat. The first week was about optimism and diligence and the second week was about silence.
So far, all the topics related to people skills connect to the concept of civility because it is the small actions and the skillfully applied behaviors we take as individuals that lead to respect for others. We don’t have to wait for respect to give respect. According the author P.M. Forni, we can choose civility.
This week, rather than list all ten questions, the focus here will be on Question 8
Q8. Are ppl more likely to appreciate others like them or diff. from them? Why? #peopleskills #diversity
— PeopleSkillsChat (@PeopleSkill) February 15, 2015
Are people more likely to appreciate others like them or different from them? Why?
A few comments to ponder….
https://twitter.com/CBechervaise/status/566985712210542593
Appreciation had no boundaries. Your heart can be touched by the one you least expected. A8 #peopleskills
— Andrea Sanchez (@asanchez16) February 15, 2015
A8: Trick question. If you appreciate others for their similarity to you rather than contribution… you've missed the point. #peopleskills
— Fred Aubin (@FM_Aubin) February 15, 2015
Henry A. Wallace spoke about needing differences, or in his words, “all kinds.” While it is easiest to appreciate what we know, a deeper and compassionate look at others can lead to appreciation, respect and better outcomes. For those that decide to appreciate others, you become a seed in the process of creating a more civil workplace.
Seeds of Civility is a blog that is created by The Wallace Centers of Iowa. Here we cultivate conversations about civility in the workplace.