Civility Matters: Conversations on Rudeness, Respect and Workplace Culture

John O'Brien
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Civility Matters is a podcast about workplace civility, incivility, rudeness and the human side of leadership. Hosted by psychologist and speaker John O’Brien, the show features guests from business, healthcare, education, and public life who explore why rudeness happens, how it affects people and organizations, and what we can do to build more respectful workplaces and communities.    Each episode offers research-based insight and practical steps for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone working to reduce toxic behavior and strengthen trust. The show provides a regular reminder that how we treat each other at work isn’t a soft skill, but rather it is a strategic advantage.

Episodes

  1. Dr. Dana Ackley on Emotional Intelligence for a Divided World

    MAR 26

    Dr. Dana Ackley on Emotional Intelligence for a Divided World

    Send us Fan Mail Civility Matters welcomes psychologist and emotional intelligence expert Dr. Dana Ackley for a powerful conversation on navigating our deeply divided world.  Together, we explore how emotions shape our reactions, fuel toxic polarization, and can just as powerfully be harnessed to build empathy, better decisions, and braver conversations across differences.   Dr. Ackley explains emotional intelligence as the intelligent use of emotion, sharing practical tools for recognizing triggers, managing impulses, and humanizing “the other side.”  This episode offers hopeful, actionable insights for anyone tired of rudeness and ready to help repair our social fabric. Dr. Ackley's Bio: Dr. Dana Ackley is a psychologist who is an executive coach and author of the book “The Little Book to Save Humanity” published in 2024. In addition, he has a forthcoming book to be published soon, entitled “Emotional Intelligence for a Divided World (https://theeqpress.com).   Dana is an internationally recognized expert in Emotional Intelligence. He works as an executive coach to senior leaders in a variety of industries. Much of his current work is devoted to helping society overcome toxic divisiveness. For more information on Dr. Ackley: https://theeqpress.com/about-dr-ackley For more on my work on rudeness and incivility, you can find information at: www.activatesuccess.org www.rudenessrehab.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmobrienphd/ https://www.youtube.com/@RudenessRehab

    33 min
  2. Dr. Audrey Tang: Toxic Talk, Tired Teams: How Incivility Erodes Wellness

    MAR 26

    Dr. Audrey Tang: Toxic Talk, Tired Teams: How Incivility Erodes Wellness

    Send us Fan Mail Toxic Talk, Tired Teams brings together Dr. Audrey Tang and Dr. John O’Brien for a timely LinkedIn Live conversation on how negative communication patterns drain energy, erode trust, and weaken workplace culture. Drawing from psychology, leadership, and practical coaching experience, they unpack the subtle ways incivility, gossip, and emotional fatigue show up in teams—and how to restore connection, respect, and vitality.  This live session offers actionable insights for leaders and professionals seeking to build healthier, more engaged workplaces where people—and performance—can thrive. Dr. Tang's Bio:  Dr Audrey Tang is a Leadership trainer, TEDx Performer/Speaker, Chartered Psychologist and multi-award-winning business author who focuses on practical tools for Wellbeing. With 30+ years teaching practical wellbeing tools in person and for the media, along with directing community theatre, she founded Wellbeing Media Studio broadcasting’s two shows: Mental Health Matters: Office Hours; and Mental Health Matters: After Hours globally with the e360tv Network. These and her other programs shine a spotlight on wellness and provide a visible opportunity and media support for academics and Thought Leaders.  Along with her coaching practice and mental/emotional fitness building workshops that she provides virtually and in person, she is the Founder and Chair of Trustees at CLICK Arts Foundation, a charity which gives grants to grassroots arts projects which build confidence, inclusivity and wellbeing.  She created and hosted the podcast Retrain Your Brain for Success (winner: Positive Change podcast awards); and The Wellbeing Lounge on NLiveRadio (winner of several awards). She also provided psychology contribution (on screen and off) to Channel 4's Don't Diet Lose Weight, and The Chrissy B Show.  She is a sought-after speaker, trainer coach and consultant who continues to give expert comment in the area of wellbeing to published and broadcast media. For more about Dr. Audrey Tang: https://www.draudreyt.com/ For more on my work on rudeness and incivility, you can find information at: www.activatesuccess.org www.rudenessrehab.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmobrienphd/ https://www.youtube.com/@RudenessRehab

    30 min
  3. Dr. Rob Fazio on BullyProofing Your Business Culture

    MAR 26

    Dr. Rob Fazio on BullyProofing Your Business Culture

    Send us Fan Mail “BullyProof Your Business” is a powerful episode of Civility Matters featuring performance psychologist and author Dr. Rob Fazio. Together, we explore how subtle bullying and everyday incivility quietly erode trust, performance, and wellbeing at work. Dr. Fazio breaks down the psychology of power, control, and fear, and explains why “tough” leadership often crosses the line into harmful behavior.  We discuss how to recognize early warning signs of a toxic culture, the hidden costs of tolerating bullies, and the risks for both individuals and organizations. Most importantly, Dr. Fazio offers practical, research-informed strategies leaders can use to set clear expectations, hold people accountable, and create environments where people feel safe speaking up. This episode is designed for executives, HR leaders, and managers who want to build a resilient, high-performing, and truly.  Dr Fazio's Bio: Dr. Rob Fazio is a psychologist, speaker and executive coach known for his candor and warmth. He is able to connect with people where they are and challenge them to get them to where they want to go. He places a premium on balancing behavior change with business outcomes.  Dr. Fazio is considered a turnaround expert as he is often called upon to tackle the thorniest organizational challenges and advise tough-minded alpha executives and elite talent, such as CEOs, surgeons, litigators, and wealth managers. He developed the Motivational Currency® Calculator, a self-assessment that helps people understand their own and their colleagues’ motivators and how to tap into that to facilitate improved communication and heightened collaboration.  A recognized expert in intentional leadership and protecting oneself and others from dysfunctional behavior, he penned two books, Simple is the New Smart and the WSJ bestseller, BullyProof: Using Subtle Strength to Influence Alphas and Strengthen Society.  His strategies have been featured in outlets including CNBC, CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News and his thought leadership has appeared online and in print within publications including Success Magazine, The New York Times, Forbes, and CEO Magazine. He is the founder and president of the nonprofit, Hold the Door for Others, that equips and challenges people to grow through loss, trauma, and adversity. More about Dr. Fazio: https://onpointadvising.com/ For more on my work on rudeness and incivility, you can find information at: www.activatesuccess.org www.rudenessrehab.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmobrienphd/ https://www.youtube.com/@RudenessRehab

    28 min
  • 3 Episodes

About

Civility Matters is a podcast about workplace civility, incivility, rudeness and the human side of leadership. Hosted by psychologist and speaker John O’Brien, the show features guests from business, healthcare, education, and public life who explore why rudeness happens, how it affects people and organizations, and what we can do to build more respectful workplaces and communities.    Each episode offers research-based insight and practical steps for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone working to reduce toxic behavior and strengthen trust. The show provides a regular reminder that how we treat each other at work isn’t a soft skill, but rather it is a strategic advantage.

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