September 5, 2024 - Blog Post

The Importance of Civility in our Communities

There are more and more days when I see, read, or hear about incivility, whether on the streets, places of business, the news and condominium communities.  As an example, I was reading an article in the magazine Sage, stating that, “More Canadian politicians are exiting public life because of incivility”.  That got me intrigued and I found an article from Forbes (read here) about “the rise in uncivil behaviours in the workplace”.  This behaviour can be quite simple from rudeness, demeaning remarks, yelling insults at one another, ranting on social media to actual harassment or bullying.  Are we becoming more uncivil?  If so, what stops us from being civil?  In the next few blogs, I am going to focus on the topic of civility as it can play a very influential role in creating a pleasant and cohesive condominium community. The lack of civility can equally create a very unpleasant dysfunctional community.  My goal is to help convince/influence our membership to act civilly even when tempers are flaring.  So, let’s start by first understanding just what civility is and why it is important.

What is Civility?

Civility refers to the behavior and attitude of showing respect, politeness, and consideration toward others, especially in public or social interactions.  It involves adhering to social norms, demonstrating courtesy, and practicing self-restraint, even in situations of disagreement or conflict.  Civility is about treating others with dignity, recognizing their rights and humanity, and engaging in constructive dialogue.

Why is Civility Important?

1. Promotes Respect and Understanding: Civility helps create an environment where people feel valued and respected.  This encourages open communication and fosters understanding among individuals with diverse perspectives.
2. Enhances Social Harmony: Civil behavior reduces friction in social interactions, leading to more peaceful and cooperative communities.  It helps prevent conflicts from escalating into hostility or violence.
3. Facilitates Productive Dialogue: Civility allows for constructive discussions, even on contentious issues. When people engage respectfully, they are more likely to listen to each other and find common ground.
4. Builds Trust and Cooperation: Civility fosters trust, which is essential for collaboration and teamwork.  In professional and personal relationships, trust enhances cooperation and makes it easier to achieve shared goals.
5. Reflects Personal Integrity: Practicing civility demonstrates self-discipline, maturity, and respect for others, reflecting positively on one's character.
6. Strengthens Democracy: Our condo communities are designed to be democratic. Civility is crucial for the healthy functioning of community discourse. It allows for the exchange of ideas without resorting to personal attacks or divisive rhetoric, thus supporting the democratic process.
7. Promotes Mental Well-being: Civil interactions contribute to a positive social environment, reducing stress and promoting mental well-being for everyone involved.
8. Sets a Positive Example: Civil behavior sets a standard for everyone and helps cultivate a culture of respect and consideration within the community.

In summary, civility is essential for creating respectful, cooperative, and peaceful communities.  It underpins positive human interactions and supports the functioning of both personal relationships and broader social structures. In the next blog I’ll explore what are some of the causes of incivility.  Until then,

Practice civility toward one another.  Admire and emulate ethical behaviour wherever you find it.  Apply a rigid standard of morality to your lives; and if, periodically, you fail as you surely will, adjust your lives, not the standards.

Ted Koppel, British-American broadcaster and journalist.

Michael Kennedy
CCI Nova Scotia