🧠Weekly Mind Sweep #152 | Curated Conversation | Civility
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In the MindSweep this week:
Curated Conversation with curated GIF’s & puns (for your entertainment).
Jamie’s Second Brain Corner: Links to references. Need a map? I’ve got you!
What’s I’m Reading - An amazing find at a local bookstore!
Collaborations with Terri Hamilton (Thursday) & Shannon Giordano and the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce (THIS Friday!)
My face 💜 and a link to schedule your free consultation.
Civility – Small Acts, Big Impact.
The weekend before a major holiday might be the worst time to head to the grocery store. A quick trip for a few essentials can become a masterclass in patience and preparation.
For me, attempting such a feat requires a carefully packed mental toolkit. Some essentials I rely on include:
My AirPods
Two 30-minute podcasts on light topics (and a backup calming playlist for moments of overwhelm)
The power of the pause
47 years of learned patience
Empathy and Compassion [1]
Thankfully, on this particular trip, I also had my husband with me to divide and conquer Wegmans—a store as delightful as it is chaotic. If you've ever navigated their labyrinth of a layout, you understand the challenge.
Why is the bread at the start of the store? And don't get me started on the fruits and vegetables section.
Still, there's something oddly calming about hand-selecting your tomatillos while catching a glimpse of your partner navigating his way to the potatoes. [2]
It's one less thing to manage in a high-energy environment.
With most of my vegetable list checked off, I spotted my last item nearby—a head of red cabbage. Maneuvering through the crowd required patience as shoppers lingered and a staff member restocked lettuce nearby.
Threading my way closer, I asked:
"Excuse me, could I grab a head of red cabbage?"
The staff member, head down and hands moving quickly, barely glanced up and, without missing a beat, responded:
"OKAY, PEOPLE, this is a busy time of year for the grocery store. It will be like this for six weeks–everyone chill out!
In that moment, a younger version of me might have snapped back with something equally sharp. Instead, I took a deep breath, pulled out the 47 years of learned patience with a side of empathy and Compassion, and kindly responded with a smile and:
"Thank you for all your hard work; we all appreciate it!" Their expression softened, and they smiled back, replying,
"Thank you for understanding!"
That moment wasn't just about avoiding conflict—it was about creating a connection where there might have been tension. It's a small example of how civility, even when it feels inconvenient, can transform interactions. [3]
This month, as we transition from exploring conflict to embracing civility, we'll unpack what civility truly means and how it can elevate our personal and professional lives.
We'll close out the year and delve into the neuroscience of civility, its impact on relationships, and the ripple effects it creates in our homes, businesses, and communities.
As always, let's begin with its definition:
ci·vil·i·ty
/səˈvilədē/
noun
Formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech.
I'd also like to share with you a definition that I found from the Institute for Civility that felt more aligned with our like-hearted community: [4]
"Civility is about more than just politeness, although politeness is a necessary first step. It is about:
disagreeing without disrespect,
seeking common ground as a starting point for dialogue about differences,
understanding biases and personal preconceptions,
and teaching others to do the same." [5/8]
Gosh, that sounds more like our community and Curated Conversations![*]
Did you know that, on average, humans experience or witness more than one act of incivility daily? According to the 2024 Q3 SHRM study of civility in the US, workers collectively experience or witness a total of:
189,538,237 acts of incivility per day in everyday life.
7,897,427 acts of incivility per hour in everyday life.
131,624 acts of incivility per minute in everyday life.
2,194 acts of incivility per second in everyday life. [6/7]
As you navigate this season of long lines, full schedules, and heightened emotions, remember the tools you already carry—empathy, patience, and kindness. [10]
Just like leaving the grocery store with red cabbage and a kind heart, practicing civility is about leaving every interaction a little brighter.
Let's dive in with curiosity and intention, starting with a deeper look at civility's definition and its role in building a more compassionate world. [10]
My questions for you this week :
Think about a recent situation where you faced incivility. How did you respond, and in hindsight, what tools could you have used to navigate the situation differently?
How does civility impact the resolution of conflicts in your personal or professional life?
Reply and share with me!
Let’s discuss ways I can support civility for you and your business.
Are you a like-hearted entrepreneur ready for support? Let's connect.
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Jamie’s Second Brain Corner:
[1] Did you miss our month on Compassion?
[2] Wegmans Grocery Store - Reddit Wegmans Layout complaints
What did you do with tomatillos, Jamie?
(I didn’t, it was my husband 🤣)
[3] Did you miss our month on Conflict?
[4] Did you miss our month on Relationship?
[5] Institute for Civility // Did you miss our Month on Bias?
[*] Join our Chickbook Creative Community for Minds of All Kinds!
[8] SHRM Civility 2024 Q3 Report
[9] Did you miss our month on Patience? Or Kindness?
[10] Did you miss our month on Curiosity? Or Intent?
[X] Did someone say GPS + MAP?! Learn more about my Personalized MindSweep Mapping Process!
Collaborations!
In other news…
Feeling #FOMO about Curated Conversations? Join us!