The Biology of Civility: Responsive and Salutogenic States

  • Author: Dr. Lew Bayer
  • Credit: 1
  • Study time: 30 minutes
The Science of Civility micro course
Course overview
Civility begins in the body. Learn how threat and safety states shape behaviour, why connection matters to health, and how to create conditions for people to thrive.
  • Video time: 2 minutes
  • Certificate of Completion included

What's included?

  • 5 Lessons
  • 1 Certificate of Completion
  • 1 Worksheet
  • 3 Videos
  • 2 PDF downloads

What you will learn

Much of what keeps us civil happens automatically, as the body shifts between protective and responsive states. This micro module explains, with careful scientific nuance, how threat narrows attention and social behaviour, what the evidence says about social connection and health, and how Antonovsky's salutogenic idea of a sense of coherence can guide how you lead. It closes with a one-week state check and practical actions for your team.

A tool you can use this week

The My State Check worksheet, which you download and complete for a real situation of your own.

Dr. Lew Bayer

CEO of Civility Experts Inc., author, and Canadian Civility Ambassador
ABOUT LEW
Dr. Lew Bayer is internationally recognized as the leading expert on civility at work. She is CEO of Civility Experts Inc., a multinational civility training group with more than 500 affiliates in 46 countries, and the author of 23 books, including the bestseller The 30% Solution and a new book on diplomacy due for release in January 2027. With some 30 years of experience as a practitioner and mentor, Lew and her team of social architects help organizations build better workplaces by building competency in civility. She serves as faculty at the Canadian Management Centre, is Director of the International Civility Trainers' Consortium, and is currently embracing her role as Canadian Civility Ambassador.
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