Unit 13.2, Personal Narrative

Personal Narrative

MODULE 13: Discover your personal story (Personal Narrative)

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Unit 13.2: Tool SCARF

(Status-Certainty-Autonomy-Relatedness-Fairness)

What is the SCARF model? The SCARF model was presented in 2008 by David Rock (neuroscience researcher) in his paper "SCARF: A Brain-Based Model for Collaborating with and Influencing Others". SCARF presents the five key "buttons" that influence our behavior in any social or professional situation.

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SCARF

(Status-Certainty-Autonomy-Relatedness-Fairness)

These five key "buttons" are:

Autonomy

Relatedness

Status

Certainty

Fairness

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The pattern implies that these five buttons activate the same ("primitive") threat and reward responses in our brains that we rely on for physical survival. This "primitive" reaction helps to explain the very strong emotional reactions we have in any situation (emotions and reactions that are difficult to control). It's about instinct, and unfortunately, we can't control it.

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STATUS

Eliminate threats:

Maximize the reward:

Improper management of feedback from someone can threaten your status and cause you to become angry and/or defensive. It is advisable to evaluate your own performance and see the feedback through an optimistic development prism. There is always room for improvement in your activities. Learn to appreciate the positive aspects and the qualities.

Take the time to develop your skills and knowledge (enter permanent learning programs that can develop your knowledge and network). Give yourself praise from time to time. Learn to appreciate yourself.

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CERTAINTY

Minimize threats:

Maximize the reward:

When you're not sure, the orbital frontal cortex of the brain begins to work over time as it tries to make sense of the unknown. This can make you feel threatened and lose your focus. Turn a big process (which you find unattainable at first glance - "huge") into small consecutive steps that you can easily accomplish. To cope with uncertainty, develop the flexibility to react to an event and the resilience to go further in completing all the consecutive steps.

The human brain prefers predictability. When we know what to expect, we feel safe. This security is a reward in itself, and you can maximize it if you are clear about what you set out to accomplish. This will give you a good direction, you will feel safe to go on the chosen path, no matter how uncertain the wider environment is.

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AUTONOMY

Minimize threats:

Maximize the reward:

Excessive control is the biggest threat to autonomy. Do not allow anyone to control your day-to-day work. The people you work with must trust what you are doing and you must have a say in making decisions if they are about you.

Assume the responsibilities needed to earn and maintain the trust of others in what you do and allow yourself more initiative. Give yourself the freedom to always try something new.

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RELATEDNESS

Minimize threats:

Maximize the reward:

Lack of a relationship can leave us feeling isolated and alone. This can reduce creativity, commitment and collaboration. Fight this by integrating into groups that have common interests (sports, culture, common passions, etc.). In these times, virtual relationships are very easy to access. Take time for real-life relationships.

When we connect with others, our brain releases the hormone oxytocin (also known as the "love hormone"). The more oxytocin is released, the more connected we feel. So, work to build strong connections with people you like, and who inspire you. Take time to meet one-on-one, organize a lunch to invite your network, and go to different events where you will meet people with the same interests.

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FAIRNESS

Minimize threats:

Maximize the reward:

If you think something is wrong, your insular cortex will be activated - the region of the brain that is related to disgust. This results in a strong threat response. Minimize the impact of this by being open and honest with the person who created an injustice. Make sure you understand all the points of view and treat everyone correctly. It encourages mutual acceptance and never shows favouritism or deliberate exclusion of people.

Injustice will most likely occur where there is a lack of rules, expectations, or goals. Setting rules that clarify individual goals and roles can remove the feeling of injustice.

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Please, take your time and view these short videos that will explain the SCARF instrument:

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Please, take your time and view these short videos that will explain the SCARF instrument:

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You have successfully completed Unit 13.2!

MODULE 13: Discover your personal story (Personal Narrative)