The NeuroLeadership Institute is an organization that uses brain science to drive leadership development. Recognizing how inclusive behaviors are core values of 21st Century leaders, they have come up with a handy model that simplifies this complicated notion of how to know when a workplace setting is truly inclusive.
Am I Respected and Valued?
Am I treated fairly and honestly and recognized for my uniqueness as a human being? Am I given an opportunity to play to the ceiling of my strengths rather than the floor of my weaknesses? Am I the most important person in the room? In other words, do I have status in my workplace?
Am I in the Loop?
Does my workplace have my best interests at heart? Can I find colleagues and leaders who look like me, talk like me and act like me? Can I raise a concern to the powers that be and feel confident that my issues will be understood and taken seriously? In other words, can I find the certainty my brain needs to feel safe in this kind of work environment?
Am I Given Choices and Control?
Can I direct my work life in a way where my manager does not micromanage me but instead equips me for a brighter tomorrow? Does my leader see their role as a parent or a partner? Do I have the ability to control and shape my work in a way that best suits my talents and produces optimal results? In other words, do I have autonomy where I work?
Do I Belong?
Do I have social primacy? Do I not feel isolated or unattached? Am I connected and aligned to the people and core values of my organization? Do I have sense of connection about my work and with my colleagues that is greater than me where I understand I am part of a bigger social stage? In other words, do I have relatedness?
Do I Get Credit and Opportunities Others Do?
Am I thought about when plum details and assignments are handed out? When the best face of the organization is presented, am I in the front line or in the back row? When the hard decisions are made, am I invited to the table and part of a meaningful dialogue? In other words, do I have fairness?
Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness and Fairness spells SCARF. Wear one when the cold winds of exclusion blow your way.
Just a note. This was not the picture I attached to this blog post. This picture only shows diversity. It does not show inclusion. There is a big difference.