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We live in trying times; just listen to the evening news. Wall Street financials have tumbled and budgets are being reduced: it is a sign of the times. Our reaction to the down economy can take on many forms. Families are struggling and the pressures are spilling over into the workplace. Another unfortunate by-product of these additional stressors is the increased amount of profanity being used in the workplace.
Profanity in the workplace is inappropriate and unprofessional. Employees using profanity oftentimes are unaware of how their words and behavior offend others. Depending on the type and degree of profanity, a negative or hostile work environment may begin to develop. Investigating claims of a hostile workplace is time intensive, damaging to working relationships and may result in discipline.
So if you or someone you know wants to stop using profanity in the workplace and at home, try following these five steps:
1.Recognize you have a problem with profanity. If you don’t know how to speak comfortably without swearing, then you have problem.
2.Make a commitment to stop. Understanding why you swear and the triggers for this behavior is a worthwhile exercise. Appreciating the benefits of not swearing may include better communication, better job prospects, better relationships with people, brighter outlook on life, etc.
3.Enlist a friend to help you stop using profanity. Find a supportive co-worker or friend to help you as you break this habit. Someone who gives gentle reminders will be more effective than a “scorekeeper”.
4.Don’t give up! Breaking habits is hard work. Research tells us that it will take 21 days to break a habit. Expand your vocabulary and learn new words to express yourself!
So the next time you think about letting a cuss word fly, slow down and think about how you really want to present yourself and the type of work or home environment you want to create. Respect in the workplace begins with each and every one of us.
Adapted from wikihow.com
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