Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
For the past 22 years I have been internationally recognized as leading expert on civility at work. I am a 16 time published author, CEO of Civility Experts Inc., speaker, mentor, and civility advocate.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The new book is called “Civility at Work”
In case you were not aware, research focusing on both Canadian and U.S. companies shows that a whopping 98% of people polled have experienced uncivil behavior on the job. And, according to the fourth annual study on Civility in America: A Nationwide Survey, conducted by global public relations firm Weber Shandwick and public affairs firm Powell Tate in partnership with KRC Research, civility in America continues to erode. This year’s study found that 70% of the Americans believe incivility has reached crisis proportions. Alarmingly, 81% of the Americans think that incivility is leading to an increase in violence at work. Notably, 80% of the people are dissatisfied with their jobs. TO ME – this is a problem worth solving and so I was inspired to write the book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Maybe other authors do this too- but I write “nuggets”, I have these moments of inspiration and I have little notes everywhere. Over a few months I begin to see how these notes all align and a book falls into place. In the past, I have been able to put all the notes together in a few weeks and seemingly write a book in 21 days (ish) but the reality is the book has been formulating for months.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am a nonfiction person so fascinated by any nonfiction author or researcher who can hold my interest and teach me something. No favorites really- the topics draw me in. Anything social science is like a sugar craving- I just can’t get enough.
What are you working on now?
At present I am taking a break. Along with Civility at Work, I co-authored 3 books on Civility in Manufacturing- all four books completed in about 18 months so I am exhausted. Switching to training projects at present.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth- and I love LinkedIn. Our target audience is business- owners, managers, HR so LinkedIn is perfect for us
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t ask too much advice until you have dumped what is in your heart and head onto the page. Then ask for feedback- otherwise, the opinions of others- good or bad can really change your approach and content and overall satisfaction about what you write
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just do it! Don’t overthink it, just start.
What are you reading now?
Nothing. lol. Honestly, taking a break, letting my brain rest.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to mentor our 500+ affiliates to each write their own books- I think it is an incredibly satisfying achievement and there is a lot of learning and introspection involved. I feel it’s a gift we give ourselves to write a book.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Walden, Mary Oliver Poetry, What Would Wendy Do- written by my daughter when she was 8.
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