Harvey Mackay Column- Giving Someone a Piece of Your Mind Rarely Gives You Peace of Mind
Harvey Mackay’s July 2026 column warns that common courtesy is disappearing, especially in workplaces, and that rudeness is a contagious problem with serious costs. He cites research from the University of Florida, UNC, and the University of Maryland showing that rude interactions waste employee time, increase anxiety, lower commitment, and drive turnover. Mackay describes everyday incivility—interrupting meetings, ignoring messages, public criticism, dismissiveness, and gossip—and explains how these behaviors erode morale, productivity, and a company’s reputation. He argues that organizations must enforce the Golden Rule, address rude conduct promptly, and foster a culture of respect and self‑control to protect employee well‑being and business health.
Topics
Erosion of Common Courtesy in Modern Workplaces
Observation that basic manners and politeness are declining, particularly within professional settings.
Research Evidence of Rudeness’s Contagion and Cost
Presentation of studies from UF, UNC, and Maryland that quantify how rudeness spreads and harms productivity, morale, and retention.
Real‑World Workplace Incivility Examples
Concrete illustrations of rude behavior such as interrupting meetings, ignoring communications, public criticism, dismissiveness, and gossip.
Impact of Incivility on Organizational Health and Reputation
Explanation of how rudeness leads to lost work time, employee anxiety, reduced commitment, turnover, and damage to a company’s brand.
Practical Strategies for Enforcing Civility and the Golden Rule
Advice to promptly address rude conduct, practice self‑control, give private constructive feedback, and embed respect as a cultural norm.