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The “business of civility”  can be very rewarding and I’ve enjoyed many measurable professional successess over the years. Lately though I’ve experienced significant, and I have to admit, unexpected rewards in terms of friendship, collaboration, and inspiration from several of my counterparts in the civility and related training industry. While I’ve always understood that one of the outcomes of civility is increased social capital, I never really expected to experience it by way of those who technically should be regarded as my competitors. But, more than once over the the past few months I have been overwhelmed by the extent of the sincerity, kindness, collaborative effort and civility extended to me, and others, by some of my colleagues. The professionalism and integrity that they consistently exhibit makes all of us civility sorts look good! 

At the risk of forgetting someone who deserves mention, I feel compelled to write about a few people who in my estimation really do “walk the talk” when it comes to fostering civility.

Firstly, to my 17 co-authors in The Power of Civility- thank you all for choosing to collaborate on what has turned out to be an amazing book. Just the act of sharing authorship, never mind your intellectual property, with me- and the other co-authors, in spite of each of us being competition in her own way, is hugely generous. Special mention to Suzanne Nourse of Protocol School of Ottawa, www.etiquetteOttawa.com who kindly gives me her time and attention every time I’m in Ottawa- and on my last visit actually took the jewellry right off her neck and gave it to me, just because I admired it- who does that?

 

Louise Fox of Etiquette Ladies and www.MannersTV.com – I applaud you for your courage and grace this past year through difficult times and the loss of your dear mother. Regardless of what’s going on in your life you are an ongoing support and friend but also a reliable and trustworthy business partner. Always so well-turned out too-as beautiful outside as on the inside. (Louise is actively seeking MannersTV resellers- if you’re interested, email her louise@etiquetteladies.com- tell her I sent you!)

 

Sue Jacques, the Civility CEO  who I have had the pleasure of meeting and even exchanged clients with a time or two, and about whom I hear - via web or 3rd party clients and colleagues far more often than I care to admit (from a competitor’s standpoint). But not once, in  12 years, have I ever heard even the teeniest negative thing said about her, or by her. How many of us can say that of ourselves?

 

My new affiliate in the Philippines, Olen Juarez-Lim, www.ojlconsulting.com is one of the most effective communicatiors I know. She navigates cultural and communication barriers with ease, and there is a marked authenticity about her. In a work-world where my experience has been that women are not always as direct and sincere as they should be- particularly when doing business with other women, Olen is a shining example of integrity and honesty. (I get the same enthuasism and palpable positivity in my communications with Olen’s Singapore associate Christina Ong, www.imageworksasia.com too.)  Olen, it’s a privilege to be affiliated with you and I look forward to a long prosperous relationship.

 

Wendy Deming at Gulf Coast Community Foundation who I don’t get to speak with often but who is a true maverick in the field of civility. Her civility inititiative model set the bar for initiatives nation-wide and her courage to “start the conversation” has inspired me. My experiences in Venice, Florida with Wendy and her team www.becauseitmatters.com last year was a life-changer for me. One of the hi-lights is the ongoing opportunity to work with Giovanna Mcgrath at www.civilityexpertsUSA.com who is “all about the giggle”. Giovanna is one of those people who really does make the world better just by being in it! I’ve never met a happier person in my life.

 

And last but not least, Yasmin Anderson Smith www.kymsimage.com who to me exemplifies character- always patient, always serving others, always respectful, and talk about focus…yikes! I am so proud to have the opportunity to actively promote and sell Yasmin’s Every Girl Can self-esteem programs for young women in Canada. www.everygirlcan.org. If you’re looking for a way to make a difference in your community, Yasmin is offering lisencing opportunities for Every Girl Can, yasmin@kymsimage.com

 

I should stop now…although I could go on for another 1000 words or so. Anyway, thank you my civil colleagues! Thank you for making the business of civility so rewarding for me.

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