TOPIC: On Civility – Moving to Stronger, More Enduring Cultures
PRESENTER: Ross Gibson

Over the past couple of years, there has been an unprecedented rise in awareness of the insidious  damage done by harassment and bullying in and out of the workplace. While it has been disheartening  that we are still faced with these types of behaviors, the increased focus on these problems such as the  #metoomovement has encouraged and opened more dialogue and action than in years past. Many  organizations have reacted by revisiting their Harassment Prevention efforts, from revising policies to  holding employee training sessions. These are important steps.  

Yet, we need to not only take this deeper, we need to make sure we are creating cultures that become  intolerant to and completely free from harassing behavior. In this engaging and thought-provoking  keynote, human resources expert and consultant Ross Gibson will challenge the audience in being  change agents in the next cultural imperative: On Civility. In Ross’ view, based on extensive experience,  consulting with a variety of organizations and being a voracious reader, leadersmust be the champions  of building and maintaining civility within and outside our organizations. Ross will explore and challenge  us on how we, in Gandhi’s words, must “be the change you wish to see in the world.” Specific learning  objectives from this session: 

• Define what Civility is and discuss why it is so important 

• Go through examples of civil and uncivil behaviors we see in the workplace 

• Understand the costs associated with incivility 

• Look at coping strategies for dealing with uncivil behavior 

• Discuss ways in which attendees can move the needle on civility within their workplace 

The session will be a mix of presentation, large and small group discussion, written exercises and videos.  Participants will leave this keynote inspired and energized to go back take their anti-harassment, pro civility efforts to new and higher levels! 

WHEN: Wednesday, March 16, 2022 @ 12:00 - 1:00 pm
WHERE: Virtual via Zoom
COST: $20

REGISTER HERE

About our Presenter: Ross Gibson

Ross Gibson is leadership and organizational development consultant and facilitator. As the Director,  Benefits Consulting at The Richards Group, Ross works with organizations to help develop positive  leadership growth. Prior to working as a consultant, Ross was Senior Vice President, Global Human  Resources at World Learning. Ross has held other several senior level positions including Vice President,  Learning and Organizational Development at Charles River Labs and Vice President, Human Resources at  both American Superconductor and Cambridge Neuroscience, Inc.  

Ross is active in several local and regional Human Resources and training organizations. He currently is the Director of the Vermont State Council of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and  a Board member of Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA). He is a past-President of both  the Northeast Human Resources Association (NEHRA) as well as the Brattleboro Swim Team. Ross also  served for six years on the Board of the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce.