The latest neuroscience from David Rock and others speaks clearly about what my brain wants and needs to do my best work AND to be the best person I can be. Two things when combined are key . . . coaching AND the five domains of SCARF!

Status = Status can be increased through regular positive feedback, attention to incremental improvements, and the achievement of large goals. In what ways are you intentionally offering status to those with whom you work?

Certainty = Certainty can be increased by identifying central goals and reducing the uncertainty inherent in maintaining multiple focuses. Breaking down large goals into smaller steps increases certainty about how a goal can be reached. What is one way you are ensuring certainty around the standards and expectations for the work to be done?

Autonomy = Finding ways to take action when challenges appear insurmountable can increase autonomy. Consideration of multiple options builds capacity for a choice that holds the highest leverage for goal accomplishment. Given that autonomy creates ownership and motivates us to move in the desired direction, what choices are evident in the work of your teachers and students?

Relatedness = The potential for relatedness to be increased is by ensuring I have a thinking partner – a coach. Areas of the prefrontal cortex will light up when I engage in a coaching conversation vs. when I am having the same conversation with myself. How are you promoting thinking with others as a part of your culture?

Fairness = Fairness can be increased through seeing situations from other perspectives. When we “walk in the shoes” of another, it offers the possibility for greater understanding and tolerance for the differences present in our work. How are you being mindful of the presence of fairness in your work with teams, departments, grade levels, PLCs, etc.?

The combo of coaching and SCARF are a big deal!

The five domains reflect core brain networks of great significance when it comes to collaboration with and influence of others. So, give me what my brain wants . . . AND, ensure it’s of the highest quality – like the beauty of a cashmere SCARF!

By Karen Anderson, PCC