{"id":795,"date":"2023-01-17T09:06:15","date_gmt":"2023-01-17T13:06:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/a-game-plan-to-encourage-greater-civility\/"},"modified":"2023-01-17T09:06:15","modified_gmt":"2023-01-17T13:06:15","slug":"a-game-plan-to-encourage-greater-civility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/a-game-plan-to-encourage-greater-civility\/","title":{"rendered":"A Game Plan to Encourage Greater Civility"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Profit<\/a>
\n<\/p>\n

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When I was a consultant, my desk was cluttered with stacks of paper that were piled to the sky. I had an unwritten rule: What I did in my personal space was my business. But the rule wasn\u2019t valid in common areas because it would infringe on other people. I apply that principle to other areas of my life. What you do in the comfort of your home is your business. But when you\u2019re around others it\u2019s important to be kind<\/a>, considerate, and respectful. Unfortunately, not everyone lives by that rule. That\u2019s why we lack decency these days. But I have a game plan to encourage greater civility.<\/p>\n

Nowadays, people put their personal needs first, force their opinions<\/a> on others, and shout down opposing viewpoints. There seems to be little interest in seeking the truth, encouraging constructive debate, or addressing common issues. Moreover, rather than winning a debate<\/a> with a better argument, many resort to personal attacks.<\/p>\n

Some folks who prescribe tolerance should take their own medicine.<\/p>\n

There must be a better way\u2026<\/p>\n

How to Foster Civility<\/h3>\n

How do we improve common courtesy at home, at work, and within our communities? Here\u2019s a game plan to encourage civility:<\/p>\n

If you can\u2019t be positive, keep it to yourself.<\/strong><\/span> If others<\/em> want to rant or be mean-spirited on social media, let them. Never lower your<\/em> personal standards. Never!<\/p>\n

Surrounding yourself with \u201cyes\u201d people is like talking to yourself<\/strong>. <\/strong><\/span>Search for the truth<\/a> rather than subscribing to information that supports your existing beliefs.<\/p>\n

One or many believers don\u2019t determine the truth or untruth<\/strong>.<\/strong><\/span> Think for yourself. Some folks are dishonest and self-serving \u2014 and may even have a second agenda. While you may think that following the crowd is a safe bet, they may be leading you right off a cliff.<\/p>\n

You are what you eat and the information you digest.<\/strong><\/span> Your mind is like a computer. Allowing yourself to become infected with misinformation is as damaging as a computer being infiltrated by a virus. For\u00a0information\u00a0to be useful, it must be factual, truthful, and error-free. Furthermore, it must be comprehensive, objective, relevant, timely, functional, and credible.<\/p>\n

Be objective. <\/strong><\/span>Encourage diverse viewpoints. See issues from all angles. Compare and contrast without bias.<\/p>\n

Encourage debate.<\/strong><\/span> Challenge your opinions. You don\u2019t win a debate by suppressing discussion; you win it with a better argument.<\/p>\n

Judge ideas, not people.<\/strong><\/span> Discuss differences openly, honestly, and respectfully. Focus on the message<\/em>, not the messenger<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Remember, an opinion is not a fact.<\/strong><\/span> As former Senator Patrick Moynihan said, \u201cEveryone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.\u201d<\/p>\n

There is a difference between hearing and listening. <\/strong><\/span>Some people don\u2019t communicate. They just take turns talking.<\/p>\n

Try to find the merit in each other\u2019s arguments<\/strong>.<\/strong><\/span> See their side of an argument before expecting them to see yours.<\/p>\n

Search for common ground.<\/strong><\/span> Identify areas of common agreement and mutual interest.<\/p>\n

Raised voices are rarely heard.<\/strong><\/span> Some folks think their position makes them all-knowing and all-important \u2014 and that gives them the right to bark orders at others. People don\u2019t resist change; they resist being forced<\/em> to change<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Never pull rank.<\/strong><\/span> Real power isn\u2019t the result of controlling people; it\u2019s created by empowering folks and forging commitment.<\/p>\n

Take the shoe-on-the-other-foot test. <\/strong><\/span>Put yourself in each other\u2019s shoes to ensure that you\u2019re being fair and equitable. Ask yourself whether you\u2019d be happy to trade places with them. Remember, we can\u2019t expect others to abandon their values any more than we would forsake our own.<\/p>\n

Park your ego at the door.<\/strong><\/span> What<\/em> is right is a lot more important than who<\/em> is right.<\/p>\n

A Plea for Common Decency<\/h3>\n

Raise your game. You can either be part of the problem or part of the solution. Be the person who exhibits dignity and grace. Be the person who\u2019s regarded as honest, fair, and objective. Be the person who others look up to and the person who makes you<\/em> proud. It doesn\u2019t matter what others say. It doesn\u2019t matter what others do. While civility may be expendable to some people, make it known that it\u2019s essential to you.<\/p>\n

Check out Frank\u2019s latest book,\u00a0The Path to a Meaningful Life<\/i><\/a>.<\/p>\n

How Do You Feel About This Game Plan?<\/h3>\n

Please leave a\u00a0comment<\/a>\u00a0and tell us what you think or\u00a0share it with someone who can benefit from the information.<\/b><\/p>\n

Additional Reading:
Living the Golden Rule<\/a>
Are You Enthusiastic for the Success of Others?<\/a>
Take the Shoe-on-The-Other-Foot Test<\/a>
What Works Better \u2014 Obedience or Commitment?<\/a>
The Benefits of Being Open-Minded: An Open-and-Shut Case<\/a>
Some Folks Think They\u2019re Always Right<\/a>
The Glue That Supports a Healthy Social Fabric<\/a>
Protect Yourself from Bad Information<\/a><\/p>\n

If you like this article, subscribe to our blog so that you don\u2019t miss a single post. Get future posts by RSS<\/a> feed, email<\/a> or Facebook<\/a>. It\u2019s FREE. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"Profit<\/a>
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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