Mission Forward with Carrie Fox

In a world where incivility seems to be on the rise, both in our personal lives and in the workplace, how can we, as individuals, make a difference? Emily Dickens, Chief of Staff, Head of Government Affairs, and Corporate Secretary for SHRM, believes the answer lies in practicing civility—one conversation at a time.

This week on Mission Forward, Carrie Fox delves into the power of civility with Dickens. They explore how simple acts of kindness, empathy, and grace can transform workplace cultures and why HR professionals play a critical role in driving this change.

Dickens shares personal anecdotes from her unconventional career journey, highlighting how access to education and mentors who believed in her potential shaped her mission to elevate the HR profession. She discusses SHRM's recently launched Civility Campaign and why leading with a "care for others" approach is far more effective than the all-too-common "self-serving" leadership style.

Fox and Dickens also tackle tough questions about navigating the post-COVID workplace, balancing empathy with accountability, and the dangers of labeling others based on limited interactions. Dickens emphasizes the importance of recognizing that "we are all more than our worst thing" and giving others the grace to evolve.

This is a conversation that can challenge the way you think about your daily interactions and inspire you to strengthen your own "civility muscle." As Dickens notes, even the smallest gestures can spark a ripple effect, empowering us all to build more respectful, inclusive, and thriving workplaces.

This episode is sponsored by SHRM.org.

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward
  • (01:44) - Introducing Emily Dickens
  • (07:28) - The Power of Communication and the Civility Campaign
  • (19:37) - Transparency
  • (21:51) - Dignity and Respect
  • (25:48) - Civil Impressions
  • (27:56) - Action Steps
  • (33:30) - Learn More
  • (36:20) - Sponsor: SHRM

What is Mission Forward with Carrie Fox?

Mission Forward: An award-winning podcast for communicators on a mission.

Hosted by social impact expert and B Corp leader Carrie Fox, each episode of Mission Forward explores the power of communications. With just the right mix of practical and thought-provoking content, we take on the issues that matter to you, and that support your work as a communicator for change.

Together, we talk through topics that you’re likely experiencing right now: from how to tackle tough conversations; to how to best challenge stereotypes; to how we can build bridges across the issues that divide us. If you’re working to become a more inclusive and thoughtful communicator, there’s nothing holding you back—except you.

About Season 9

Communication is essential to moving missions forward. Whether you’re trying to advance a strategic goal, drive change in an organization or raise funds to increase your impact, how you communicate matters. And with the noise of today’s world, it matters even more that your message be delivered, heard, remembered, AND acted upon. Getting there requires more than words.

We’ve entered a consequential year. Every decision will matter. Care, courage, and civility will matter too.

On season 9 of the Mission Forward podcast, host and social impact communications expert Carrie Fox will be with you through it all. With episodes dropping every Thursday, this season will feature a host of thought leaders who will share their take on this critical year and how they navigate the issues ahead. We’ll dig into key issues you’re facing, we’ll inspire you with fresh ideas and practical insights, and we’ll show you how to apply the key practices of courageous leadership to your work. Come along as we practice a more-than-words approach to communications and leadership.

* About the Host (https://www.missionforward.us/about-carrie)
* Listen to Past Episodes (https://www.missionforward.us/episodes)