Welcome to another enlightening edition of the Wellness Law Podcast, where we delve into where wellness and the law intersect for contemplation and collaboration. In this episode, your host Barbara Zabawa sits down with Stephen M. Paskoff, CEO and founder of Employment Learning Innovations (ELI) and a former EEOC attorney. They explore the profound impact of workplace behavior on employee wellness and organizational success, drawing on themes from Stephen’s book, *Civility Rules*.
From EEOC to ELI: A Journey of Change
Stephen Paskoff shares his journey from being an EEOC attorney to starting ELI, an organization dedicated to fostering lawful and civil workplaces. Motivated by a lifelong commitment to civil rights, Stephen transitioned from his position as a partner in a law firm to founding ELI. His journey showcases the courage it takes to start a new venture driven by passion for change, despite the challenges that come with jumping ship from a stable career.
Civility Rules & The Iceberg of Unseen Behavior
Central to this conversation is the iceberg metaphor from Stephen’s book, *Civility Rules*. The iceberg represents how illegal behavior is just the tip of the iceberg, with abusive, bullying, and unprofessional behaviors lurking beneath the surface, causing significant harm without necessarily breaking laws. Stephen emphasizes that these behaviors, though not always illegal, can move up the iceberg and eventually become illegal. They also inflict damage on individuals and institutions, harming employee wellness and productivity.
The Viral Spread of Uncivil Behavior
Barbara and Stephen discuss the viral spread of uncivil behavior within organizations. Stephen warns that even if certain unprofessional behaviors don't culminate in illegal actions, they still erode trust, confidence, and overall well-being. He shares impactful stories from his consulting work with healthcare institutions, illustrating how disruptive behaviors from leaders can have dire consequences on patient health and safety.
The Surgical Safety Analogy
In a compelling analogy, Stephen compares not wearing safety equipment in surgery to tolerating incivility in the workplace. Just as surgeons must adhere to safety protocols to prevent harm, leaders must commit to preventing uncivil behavior. The analogy underscores the critical importance of leadership in setting standards for acceptable behavior and maintaining a healthy work environment.
Leading Change: The Role of Senior Leadership
Stephen stresses the necessity for senior leaders to recognize the business and personal impacts of incivility. Effective change requires both fostering a commitment to civility and creating an environment where individuals feel empowered to speak up against unacceptable behaviors. Stephen notes that transformational change relies on leaders who model and uphold standards consistently.
Where to Learn More
For those interested in diving deeper into the strategies for creating a civil workplace, Stephen encourages readers to explore his book *Civility Rules* available on Amazon. Additionally, the ELI website offers a range of resources aimed at promoting workplace civility.
Conclusion
This podcast episode is a reminder of the critical role civility plays in promoting employee wellness and organizational success. By addressing behaviors beneath the surface, fostering leadership commitment, and offering platforms for dialogue, organizations can create environments where both employees and customers thrive. For more resources and insights, visit the Wellness Law website and consider subscribing to their newsletter and Substack. Stay well, stay hopeful, and remember—civility is everyone's responsibility.