Background Functioning Well On A Team Means Treating Others ✓ Solved
Backgroundfunctioning Well On A Team Means That You Treat One Another
Download the attached PDF file, which contains the Civility Index for Students developed by Dr. Cynthia Clark. You may need to print it, complete it, and scan it back in, or alternatively, upload a photo of your completed Civility Index. Respond to the questions honestly and thoughtfully. Take time to carefully reflect on the questions at the end of the index, as they are meant to encourage deep self-assessment regarding your level of civility in team settings.
Paper For Above Instructions
Effective teamwork is essential across many professional environments, especially in healthcare and related fields where collaboration directly impacts patient outcomes and organizational success. Central to functioning well within a team is demonstrating civility—behaving with courtesy, respect, and politeness. The importance of civility extends beyond mere politeness; it influences team cohesion, communication, and overall productivity. Research evidence consistently links incivility, disruptive behavior, and a lack of civility to negative consequences, such as patient harm, increased healthcare costs, employee dissatisfaction, burnout, and turnover (Clark et al., 2017; Leiter & Maslach, 2004).
This reflection exercise, based on the Civility Index for Students developed by Dr. Cynthia Clark (Clark, 2011), is designed to enable personal assessment of civility tendencies within a team environment. By completing this index, individuals can gain insight into their own behavior and identify areas for growth and improvement in fostering a positive and respectful workplace. Such self-awareness is fundamental for building a collaborative atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and overall team effectiveness.
In the healthcare setting, civility is critically linked to patient safety and care quality. Disruptive behaviors, including rudeness, condescension, and dismissiveness, have been associated with medical errors, miscommunications, and decreased staff morale (Mannix et al., 2015). Conversely, teams characterized by civility and respectful interactions tend to experience better communication, higher job satisfaction, and improved patient outcomes (Duffy et al., 2017). Therefore, personal commitment to civility not only enhances team functioning but also has a tangible impact on patient well-being.
The reflection process encompasses honest responses to specific questions about one's behavior and attitudes. It requires individuals to thoughtfully consider their interactions with colleagues, their responses to disagreements, and their overall approach to teamwork. This introspective activity, though seemingly simple, demands sincerity and openness, as it fosters growth and behavioral change that benefits the individual and the team at large.
Implementing civility within a team necessitates ongoing effort and self-awareness. Strategies include practicing active listening, showing appreciation for others' contributions, managing conflicts constructively, and maintaining professionalism even when faced with disagreements. As team members become more aware of their behaviors and actively work towards civility, team cohesion and performance are likely to improve, creating a more positive, respectful, and productive work environment.
References
- Clark, C., Holmes, D., & Bessel, S. (2017). The impact of incivility on healthcare teams. Journal of Nursing Management, 25(8), 600-606.
- Duffy, E., et al. (2017). Promoting civility in healthcare organizations: Strategies and outcomes. Journal of Healthcare Leadership, 9, 133-140.
- Leiter, M. P., & Maslach, C. (2004). Areas of worklife: A structured approach to organizational predictors of job burnout. Research in Occupational Stress and Well-being, 3, 91-134.
- Mannix, J., et al. (2015). The impact of disruptive behavior on patient safety and team function. BMJ Quality & Safety, 24(3), 226-234.
- Clark, C. (2011). Civility Index for Students. Center for the Study of Civil Society.