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In episode 57 of “The JoyPowered™ Workspace Podcast,” JoDee and Susan discuss behaving civilly in the workplace with Purple Ink’s Denise McGonigal, Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford, and NFL player turned financial advisor Joe Reitz. Topics include workplace violence, incorporating virtues into the workplace, and why virtues and civility are sometimes lacking.

JoDee and Susan note that with so many bad role models permeating our culture online and in the media, it’s more important than ever to focus on treating each other with kindness and civility. OSHA reports that more than 2,000,000 instances of workplace violence every year, but the concept of civility in the workplace is about more than violence. Most of the time, incivility doesn’t boil over to the point of violence, but it does damage teamwork, relationships, and prevents your workplace from being JoyPowered™.

Denise was inspired to write a series of blogs on Virtue in the Workplace by clients’ desire to become a more authentic version of themselves. Digging deeper, Denise realized that what her clients were after was being more virtuous. The truth is, most people want to be considered “good,” but many are fearful that being “good” will land them a reputation as a pushover, which Susan has experienced herself. Denise argues that we shouldn’t allow this to diminish our light, because emanating virtuosity is admired, respected, and often emulated. You being authentically virtuous can often change the heart of someone else! Denise goes on to say that while it’s nice to have virtue exhibited from the top down in an organization, it can be contagious from every level in the corporate world.

Bryan Bedford wants us to emphasize little moments that happen throughout the day to show others that we care. Republic Airways has been steeped in midwestern family values from its inception, and Bryan attributes that to the company’s civility. Bryan is guided by his faith, and brings virtues learned at church into the workplace. He indicates that a coaching mindset rather than a punitive one has helped steer the organization’s culture into a good place. Joe Reitz corroborates Bryan’s take on coaching, espousing the enormous impact mentorship and leading by example had on his career in both the NFL & the finance world. Mentorship, he says, extends well beyond the gridiron or office, but is most impactful when real care is shown to the human being, not just the employee.

Susan and JoDee discuss Barbara Richman’s 10 Tips for Creating Respect & Civility in the Workplace and breakdown each of Barbara’s tips, then take a listener question about dating in the office. Susan shares a story about how she met her husband, and she and JoDee offer advice on how to maneuver this tricky subject.

Finally, they share some best practices for having meetings in nontraditional settings, including benefits and drawbacks for walk-talks, grabbing coffee, and getting cocktails. In the news, JoDee & Susan tackle a new law passed in New York City that prevents discrimination based on hair style related to culture or faith.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Purple Ink
• Susan Tinder White Consulting
• JoyPowered™: Intentionally Creating an Inspired Workspace by JoDee Curtis
• The JoyPowered™ Family by JoDee Curtis and Denise McGonigal
• The JoyPowered™ Team by Erin Brothers, JoDee Curtis, Peggy Hogan, Denise McGonigal, Laura North, Susan Tinder White, and Liz Zirkelbach
• Virtue in the Workplace blog series by Denise McGonigal
• Republic Airways
• “Ten Tips for Creating Respect and Civility in Your Workplace”
• NYC Commission on Human Rights Legal Enforcement Guidelines on Race Discrimination on the Basis of Hair