Neuroscience of Inclusion: New Skills for New Times

by Mary E. Casey

A Bold New Path for Advancing Inclusion Skills... Neuroscience now provides a new way forward. Highlighting several key aspects of neuroscience that are vital to inclusion, this book provides new, brain-based strategies and tools for working across differences in ways that build trust, foster creativity, and result in higher level outcomes. This book offers a new understanding and approach to recognizing and overriding unconscious biases, and provides additional brain skills that support us in overriding other unconscious brain dynamics that can interfere with even our best intentions to be inclusive. This book also offers new hope in building positive, authentic connections across differences. Using appreciation-based tools such as the Care-Frame(TM) and the S.A.V.E. Communication(TM) Model, it is now possible to work with others who are very different from ourselves in ways that deepen our understanding and appreciation of each other's different life experiences, backgrounds, beliefs and perspectives. In this new brain-based approach, we can more effectively and consistently demonstrate inclusive behaviors across differences - even if those differences cause an initial feeling of discomfort. Incorporating these new brain-based inclusion skills and tools offers new opportunities to more consciously and consistently work across differences effectively. These new brain skills will shape the inclusive workplaces of tomorrow.

176 pages, Hardcover

Published May 30, 2017

Reviews

[Nikhil Rao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outside of its attempts to trademark fundamental concepts of metacognition, it's exceedingly insightful and should be mandatory reading for many before entering the job market.

[Raffaello Palandri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book of the Day – Neuroscience of Inclusion

Today’s Book of the Day is NEUROSCIENCE OF INCLUSION, written by Mary E. Casey and Shannon Murphy Robinson in 2017 and published by Outskirts Press.

Mary E. Casey is an expert in diversity and inclusion training and facilitation skills for large, international organizations. She applies neuroscience in her consulting in areas of leadership development and diversity and inclusion.

Shannon Murphy Robinson is an internationally recognized thought leader who speaks and writes about diversity, equity, inclusion, intercultural management, and leadership development.

I have chosen this book because this book offers a unique and insightful perspective on fostering inclusivity in the workplace using principles rooted in neuroscience.

The book begins by giving the readers a foundational understanding of neuroscience and its implications in the context of diversity and inclusion. The authors manage to effectively break down neuroscientific concepts into relatable insights even for those without a background in neuroscience.

Neuroscience can provide new strategies and tools, based on how the brain works, to remove both conscious and unconscious biases that can create issues in an organization. The approach proposed makes the readers build a new awareness that will generate trust, foster creativity, and create more functional, committed, and happier teams.

Using appreciation-based tools such as the Care-Frame™ and the S.A.V.E. Communication™ Model, the authors show how an organization can help its people work together by broadening horizons and giving a sincere appreciation of each other’s different life experiences, backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its emphasis on practical application. Throughout the chapters, the authors provide effective, easy-to-apply, and concrete strategies that organizations and individuals can take to cultivate an inclusive environment. These strategies are based on the most recent research in neuroscience and align seamlessly with the overarching goal of promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace.

Neuroscience of Inclusion encourages a paradigm shift in how organizations approach diversity and inclusion efforts. By highlighting the role of the brain in shaping our perceptions and behaviours, the book underscores the need to go beyond traditional diversity training and focus on rewiring our brain’s response to differences. This shift in mindset will become crucial for establishing a sustainable and genuine culture of inclusion.

The authors also clearly address unconscious bias and stereotypes, shedding light on how they are formed within the brain. They offer clear strategies to mitigate their impact on decision-making processes by equipping readers with invaluable knowledge to effectively challenge and change ingrained preferences.

The book demonstrates effectively the connection between inclusive environments, employee well-being, and overall organizational success through compelling evidence that showcases the tangible benefits organizations can derive from investing in diversity and inclusion initiatives rooted in neuroscience.

Summing it up, Neuroscience of Inclusion is a must-read for business leaders, HR professionals, and anyone committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. Its brilliant blend of neuroscience, practical strategies, and research creates awareness of the need for a fundamental shift in diversity and inclusion efforts within organizations. This book has the potential to make a lasting impact on how you perceive, approach, and implement inclusivity in your workplaces.