“It is almost impossible to progress through a career untouched by
incivility,” the author writes. Over the past 20 years she has polled
thousands of workers: 98% have experienced uncivil behavior, and 99%
have witnessed it. In 2011 half said they were treated rudely at least
once a week—up from a quarter in 1998. Rude behavior ranged from
outright nastiness and undermining to ignoring people’s opinions to
checking e‑mail during meetings. Observing or experiencing rude behavior
impairs short ‑ term memory and thus cognitive ability, and has been
shown to damage the immune system, put a strain on families, and produce
other deleterious effects. Porath has identified some tactics to
minimize the effects of rudeness on performance and health. The most
effective remedy, she says, is to work holistically on your well ‑
being, rather than trying to change the perpetrator or the relationship.
She suggests a two ‑ pronged approach: Take steps to thrive
cognitively, which includes growth, momentum, and continual learning;
and take steps to thrive affectively, which means experiencing passion,
excitement, and vitality at work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]