The 2025 workplace is filled with incivility. With a new administration, debates about hybrid work continuing, and AI reshaping industries, tensions can run high. It’s easy to focus on what divides us. But what if we chose, instead, to focus on what connects us?
Civility at work isn’t just about avoiding conflict—it’s about fostering a culture where trust, respect, and understanding bring people together. Now more than ever, leaders have the opportunity to set the tone, guiding their teams toward more meaningful conversations and stronger relationships. By modeling these six essential skills, we can create workplaces where everyone feels heard and valued.
Trust is the foundation of every successful team. It’s not built overnight, but in the small, consistent moments of honesty and follow-through. Employees don’t just want leadership to share victories—they want transparency when times are tough. Consider Patagonia’s leadership, who handled financial challenges with open communication and integrity. In today’s world, trust isn’t a given. It’s earned through transparency, clear expectations, and a commitment to doing what’s right.
Burnout is real. The world feels heavy, and many employees are carrying invisible burdens. A simple, genuine “How are you?” can go a long way. When leaders show up with care—when they listen, when they create space for vulnerability—teams become more resilient. As Apple CEO Tim Cook reminds us, “The most important thing is to take care of the people who are in your care.” This isn’t just good leadership—it’s the key to long-term success.
We don’t have to agree on everything to work well together. But we do have to respect each other. And respect isn’t just about the big gestures—it’s in the details. Making space for different voices in meetings. Giving credit where it’s due. Acknowledging the effort behind the work. Respect is the glue that keeps teams strong, even when opinions differ.
The workplace is changing faster than ever, and the ability to adapt is invaluable. Leaders who cultivate curiosity—who encourage their teams to ask, “What haven’t we considered?”—open the door to new ideas and better solutions. In a culture where employees feel safe to challenge assumptions, learning flourishes, and innovation thrives. The most successful teams aren’t afraid to explore the unknown.
In a world of endless notifications and back-to-back meetings, real listening is rare—but it’s what sets great leaders apart. Active listening means putting the phone down, making eye contact, and resisting the urge to formulate a response before the other person has finished speaking. Deloitte found that 36% of Millennials and 53% of Gen Z employees would consider leaving their job if they felt unheard. Listening isn’t passive—it’s a powerful act of connection.
Understanding isn’t about agreement—it’s about seeing the full picture. As Marshall Rosenberg said, “Each time we make a judgment about someone, we create separation. The more we can focus on our shared human needs, the more connected we become.” Leaders who create space for open conversations and diverse perspectives foster a culture of belonging. And when people feel understood, they work together with greater purpose.
The future of work depends on how we lead today. As tensions rise in the world around us, we have a choice: react to division, or invest in connection. Civility isn’t just about being polite—it’s about creating workplaces where trust, empathy, and respect are at the core.
That’s why we created the Civility Series—a monthly content subscription designed to help teams and smaller organizations foster more meaningful conversations. With 12 conversation guides, curated learning resources, and simple tools to bring teams together, this series makes it easy to build a culture of civility, one conversation at a time.
The culture we nurture today shapes the workplaces of tomorrow. Let’s lead with intention, embrace these essential skills, and commit to building environments where every voice matters. Together, we can create workplaces where people don’t just work—they thrive.