It’s amazing. We have serious trouble in the Middle East, major protests in US cities, budget headaches and numerous issues across the globe. AND the lead story on the major internet sites has been the use of the “f- bomb” on the Oscars. This is more than sad- have we truly gone to this new low level and is civility dead or just deeply wounded?
Yes this site and our company is dedicated to Human Resources in the workplace and we certainly don’t intent to make judgment. But ... the point of the story of the Oscars illustrates what is happening too many times in the American workplace.
Using swear words has become a norm and although not really accepted, the practice is tolerated. Leaders, mangers, co-workers turn away and shrug their shoulders. We work with companies to create good and sometimes great cultures and be a place where employees really want to work. This takes strong leadership principles and would suggest a practice of non-tolerance for cursing. The good ones we see seem to have this common ground.
Yes this was a Hollywood event but honestly listen to what goes on around you at work. The reason it seemed ok to the person using the term while accepting the Oscar was that it has become too widely accepted in everyday conversation. Now picture a work place where civility returns, words are used with purpose and manners are rewarded. The business books are full of clever titles and lines about lessons learned from our dog, friends, kindergarten and our past. In checking, not one of these titles has a chapter on throwing around the f bomb! As business leaders, let’s work today to put our conversations back on a better track.
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