In today’s Pinkcast, Dan Pink interviews Christine Porath, a Georgetown University professor and author of Mastering Civility: A Manifesto for the Workplace. In the interview, Porath shares a remarkably simple technique for deepening respect and promoting belongingness in any setting. In other words, how to be more civil and kind.
Porath notes that civility is simply creating an environment where people feel respected, feel valued, and have a sense of belonging. In such an environment people are more productive, more focused, more creative, and more helpful.
The technique is known as the “10-5 Rule”, and here is how it works. If you’re within 10 feet of someone, make eye contact and smile. And, if you’re within 5 feet, say hello.
That’s it, it doesn’t get much simpler than that. Here’s the video of Dan’s interview with Christine:
Wednesday, November 13 is World Kindness Day; it seems like a great day to try out the 10-5 rule.
By the way, if you would like to learn more about Christine’s work, here is her TED Talk about being respectful in the workplace:
*image from reddit.com
Borden's Blather 
I don’t know anything about the 10-5 rule, but one doesn’t have to be a rocket scientist to realize that the civility in our society is lacking. Being civil seems like a no-brainer to me, but if things such as this help people to act decent and polite, I’m all for it. Politics is not the only area where human decency is lacking, but a common one where it seems to rear its ugly head. I have friends on both sides of the political aisle that have lost friendships with others. That seems incredibly sad to me.
LikeLike
I agree that our current state of affairs is certainly not a very civil one. I don’t know what it will take to improve things…
LikeLike
This is really good advice, Jim. I do this as it comes naturally to me to smile and be friendly.
LikeLike
thanks, Robbie. I would think/hope it comes naturally to most people.
LikeLike
This is so funny as James just asked what length a foot was as we work on the metric system.
LikeLike
🙂 it is strange that there are two different systems. not sure why the U.S. has not adopted the metric system…
LikeLike
I love this. I’m going to put it into practice today.
LikeLike
thanks; I hope to do the same.
LikeLike
I hope that I naturally do this, but am sure that I don’t always. something to think about. we need as much civility as we can get right now
LikeLike
agreed. I am going to make a conscious effort to do so today, given that it is World Kindness Day!
LikeLike
That’s a great rule.
LikeLike
and so simple…
LikeLike
Indeed.
LikeLike
Makes sense, Jim. I’d benefit following this protocol. I tend to acknowledge too soon – at a distance.
LikeLike
heaven forbid you say hello to someone at 8 feet… 🙂
LikeLike
😂
LikeLike
Since when did common sense become so uncommon!
LikeLike
exactly; but people like rules!
LikeLike
I believe in this. I hope I’ve done it successfully. It’s not only good for others, it’s good for oneself.
LikeLike
it’s a win-win.
LikeLike
Very much so.
LikeLike
I often say hi and get nothing in return. Makes me want to gaze at stuff in the distance or my cell phone lol
LikeLike
Sounds like you’re doing the right thing. It’s the other people who need to learn civility.
LikeLike
Sure half the time, but it sort of rubs off on you after a while and you just stop trying. Ever feel that way?
LikeLike
many times, and like you, I just stop trying with some people
LikeLike
I think lots of people follow that rule without realising it. Probably easier in less crowded places. If you’re going for a walk along the cliff top or country path people do say hello. People do smile at strangers – unspoken remarks when we are looking at the same thing – cute dog or child or who’s that idiot talking too loudly on the bus. If you’re working with customers or passengers a smile is no effort and does go a long way even if they don’t speak the same language.
LikeLike
I never heard the term before but I already did some of the tips before reading this. It’s a hit or miss… I hate when it becomes a miss. That’s when people ignore me and I feel like an idiot.
LikeLike
I think it’s mostly common sense. And yes, it is embarrassing when we acknowledge someone and they completely ignore us. Glad to know it’s not just me!
LikeLike
Oh I’m sure there’s a lot more of us out there 😂
LikeLike
I’m sure!
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing the 10-5 rule! I have never heard of it before, but it makes perfect sense. Being retired, now I can be the student.
LikeLike
I am hoping to do a lot of learning as well when I retire!
LikeLike