Duct tape was originally developed during World War II (in 1942) as a water resistant sealing tape for ammunition cases. The name "duct tape" came from its use on heating and air conditioning ducts….its strength, low cost, and remarkable versatility make it a household staple throughout North America and Europe for temporary repairs and general-purpose use. It would be fair to say that good ol’ duct tape is hard to live without it. The practicality of duct tape is widely accepted by handymen and the "fixit-challenged" alike. Basically, it’s the place to start when one has to make hasty repairs while waiting for a replacement part or finding time to do the full repair job properly. Duct tape is Step One in how far one must go to correct a problem, damaged system or unstable part... numero uno in a toolbox (after the pliers, of course).
So, what’s numero uno in the workplace toolbox? What keeps things together and working? My opinion?…courtesy and good manners. Serendipitously, as I was typing away at this, I noticed Rebecca R. Hastings had just penned a recent article for SHRM Magazine entitled Clear Expectations Can Prevent Incivility, Experts Say. Ms. Hastings writes that toxic behavior can spread with viral speed. Once identified, both employee and management behavior needs to be assessed for how it affects not only those who do the work but the amount of work completed, the pride with which one produces the work and the very quality of the work itself. When necessary, civility can be taught to those who are lacking in such skill. All behavioral complaints regardless of how insignificant they may sound must be taken seriously and treated immediately. The employing company has the responsibility of coaching when necessary and applauding when pleased with appropriate co-worker behavior. Alphas will still be alphas without a strident demeanor or withering comment to a subordinate. I must confess one of the things I love best about British television is the fact that there is still use of the classic power class language at play in much of the dialogue. A boss will glance piercingly at an underling and say in an ominous tone: “a word, please, _________” rather than “hey, get your butt in here!” True, in both instances the powerless employee knows there may be hell to pay but at least the tone is civil. Delivery of admonishment is often dark but not purposefully ill-mannered.
So, ultimately, good manners and treating others as one would like to be treated (just like Mom used to drill into us) is the duct tape that holds together a work unit, its production quality and the richness of an organization’s good reputation.
