Civility in the workplace is not just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a fundamental pillar of organizational success. Leadership sets the tone for workplace culture, and when executives fail to prioritize respect and professionalism, productivity, morale, and employee retention suffer.

So why do so many leaders struggle with workplace civility? Here are seven shocking ways leadership fails at fostering respect—and how to turn things around.

1. Leaders Don’t Model the Behavior They Expect

Employees take cues from leadership. If executives and managers engage in rude, dismissive, or unprofessional behavior, employees are likely to mirror that conduct. A lack of role modeling civility leads to an unhealthy work environment where respect is undervalued.

Fix It:

• Lead by example—demonstrate active listening, empathy, and respectful communication.
• Avoid favoritism and ensure consistency in how you treat all employees.
• Publicly address and correct incivility when it occurs.

2. Accountability is Lacking

Many leaders fail to establish clear expectations for civility and hold employees accountable. When rude or toxic behavior goes unchecked, it becomes normalized.

Fix It:

• Set clear policies on workplace conduct.
• Implement a zero-tolerance approach to workplace bullying, discrimination, and toxicity.
• Hold all employees—including executives—accountable for their behavior.

3. Feedback Mechanisms Are Nonexistent

Without structured feedback channels, employees may feel uncomfortable reporting issues related to workplace respect. Fear of retaliation or being ignored often silences concerns.

Fix It:

• Implement anonymous feedback tools, such as employee surveys.
• Establish open-door policies to encourage honest communication.
• Regularly assess workplace culture and civility through pulse checks.

4. Leaders Underestimate the Power of Training

Leadership development often focuses on strategy, decision-making, and performance metrics—but neglects soft skills like communication and emotional intelligence.

Fix It:

• Invest in leadership training that prioritizes respect, empathy, and conflict resolution.
• Conduct civility workshops and role-playing exercises.
• Encourage ongoing professional development in interpersonal skills.

5. Recognition of Respectful Behavior Is Overlooked

Most organizations recognize high performance but fail to reward employees who contribute positively to the workplace culture.

Fix It:

• Acknowledge employees who foster respect and teamwork.
• Introduce awards or incentives for demonstrating workplace civility.
• Integrate respect and collaboration into performance evaluations.

6. Leaders Ignore Toxic High Performers

A common leadership mistake is tolerating incivility from high-performing employees. If someone generates results but mistreats colleagues, allowing their behavior sends a dangerous message.

Fix It:

• Make it clear that no level of success justifies toxic behavior.
• Provide coaching for high-performing employees who struggle with interpersonal skills.
• Be prepared to remove employees who refuse to change, regardless of their contributions.

7. Continuous Improvement Is Not a Priority

Workplace culture is dynamic—it evolves over time. Leaders who assume their workplace is already respectful may fail to recognize emerging issues.

Fix It:

• Regularly assess and adjust civility initiatives.
• Stay updated on best practices for workplace respect and inclusion.
• Conduct periodic training refreshers to reinforce positive behaviors.

Conclusion: The Key to a Thriving Workplace

Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping a culture of respect and professionalism. When leaders actively promote civility, they create an environment where employees feel valued, engaged, and motivated to perform at their best. By recognizing and addressing these common failures, executives can transform workplace culture and drive long-term organizational success.

How BNX Business Advisors Can Help

At BNX Business Advisors, we specialize in helping leaders cultivate a culture of civility through:
✅ Comprehensive leadership training focused on respect and emotional intelligence
✅ Effective feedback mechanisms that encourage open communication
✅ Recognition strategies to reward positive workplace behavior

If your organization is ready to enhance workplace respect and civility, contact BNX Business Advisors today. Let’s build a thriving workplace together.

FAQs

Why is civility in leadership important?

Civility in leadership fosters a respectful and inclusive workplace, reducing turnover, increasing engagement, and improving team collaboration.

How can leaders promote civility in the workplace?

Leaders can model respectful behavior, implement accountability policies, provide training, encourage feedback, and recognize positive workplace interactions.

What happens if workplace incivility is ignored?

Ignoring incivility leads to a toxic work culture, low morale, high turnover rates, and reduced productivity.

Can toxic high performers be coached into better behavior?

Yes, with proper coaching and accountability, many high performers can develop stronger interpersonal skills. However, those unwilling to change may need to be let go.