Inclusion starts with U
Have you ever found yourself giving a presentation where colleagues seemed to be listened but you noticed they were actually preoccupied with their phone? Conversely, have you noticed and appreciated eye contact in a handshake at work? Or an encouraging smile and attentive posture from a boss? These are actually all examples of micro-messages, something Sarah Tabet in her book 'Inclusion Starts With U' describes as, "subtle everyday communications which come through what we say and how we behave and are often delivered subconsciously."
She goes on to say that there are an estimated 2000-4000 micro-messages that family members, colleagues and even strangers send to each other daily and that come in two varieties – the first that can demoralise and alienate and the second that can positively contribute to inclusion. Examples of these exclusions – the demoralising so-called 'micro-aggressions', include not making eye contact when shaking hands, being called the wrong name or your suggestions during a meeting being ignored.
On the other hand, have you ever been asked for input in a discussion or been praised publicly for your hard work? Have you ever had your name recalled by someone you met once...years ago? How did it feel? These acts, although they seem trivial, are acts of inclusion and are an acknowledgement of a person's values. These are known as 'micro-affirmations' - and, basically, stand for people being nice to other people. Together, micro-messages, however subtle, can make or break the sense of inclusion if picked up on.
She goes on to say that there are an estimated 2000-4000 micro-messages that family members, colleagues and even strangers send to each other daily and that come in two varieties – the first that can demoralise and alienate and the second that can positively contribute to inclusion. Examples of these exclusions – the demoralising so-called 'micro-aggressions', include not making eye contact when shaking hands, being called the wrong name or your suggestions during a meeting being ignored.
On the other hand, have you ever been asked for input in a discussion or been praised publicly for your hard work? Have you ever had your name recalled by someone you met once...years ago? How did it feel? These acts, although they seem trivial, are acts of inclusion and are an acknowledgement of a person's values. These are known as 'micro-affirmations' - and, basically, stand for people being nice to other people. Together, micro-messages, however subtle, can make or break the sense of inclusion if picked up on.
Building on what Sarah says, I'd like to ask if you ever noticed something about an interaction that others didn't? Perhaps something in the intonation of the person opposite or the way they hold their body? If yes, the good news is that you're not alone! The even BETTER news is that there is a high chance you are Highly Sensitive. But what exactly is a HSP (Highly Sensitive Person)?
Around 20% of the world's population is estimated to be Highly Sensitive – a huge number for something that is not that well-known or discussed. HSP's naturally have a nervous system that is attuned to a higher level and are therefore more adept at being able to pick up on micro-messages. A type of neurodiversity, this trait is not gender bias in any way and has even been found to exist in 100 species of animal! Being as they pick these micro-messages up more easily, HSP's are more affected by them. Building on Sarah Tabet's excellent book, I would like to add neurodiversity and HSP's into the discussion of inclusion.
For more on HSP's, I highly recommend 'The Highly Sensitive Person Podcast' series Being a Highly Sensitive Person with Julie Bjelland | Campion Consultants
"All it takes is one – one person to care and commit to act. Inclusion starts with U."
Around 20% of the world's population is estimated to be Highly Sensitive – a huge number for something that is not that well-known or discussed. HSP's naturally have a nervous system that is attuned to a higher level and are therefore more adept at being able to pick up on micro-messages. A type of neurodiversity, this trait is not gender bias in any way and has even been found to exist in 100 species of animal! Being as they pick these micro-messages up more easily, HSP's are more affected by them. Building on Sarah Tabet's excellent book, I would like to add neurodiversity and HSP's into the discussion of inclusion.
For more on HSP's, I highly recommend 'The Highly Sensitive Person Podcast' series Being a Highly Sensitive Person with Julie Bjelland | Campion Consultants
"All it takes is one – one person to care and commit to act. Inclusion starts with U."
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