Fostering Open Cultures

It took me 16 years to learn this from being on the wrong side of it, I'll show you how to not repeat those mistakes in one simple picture!

➡️ I've not shared an inforgraphic in a while, but I thought having had some self-reflection time recently, this would be a good one to share.

Communication is key in empowering, supporting and nurturing neurodiverse talent in the workplace...but it's not as simple as a conversation.

From experience I can say I've stayed quiet far longer than I should about many things, which often allows them to escalate, and on other occasions I have been known to info-dump.

As with all communications it varies massively between people.

The key to fostering the right environment where ND staff feel safe opening up or talking is key and I see them divided over three key headings:

✅️ Open invitations...it can be now, tomorrow, next week, next month...it's important to know the "door" is open when we need it

✅️ Communication...however that conversation needs to happen is right. Email, letters, face-to-face, over the phone there's no right or wrong

✅️ Small steps...it is rarely a dive in the deep end moment, but can evolve into that, but every step should be supported and nurtured

The image below has some elements I've experienced and others I've picked up from shared experiences. They aren't a definitive list and can be used as a foundation.

With rates of ND diagnosis and awareness increasing, we can't afford to wait until it's too late to make those environmental changes that can make a world of difference.

Just my thoughts.