It’s become more and more common to see pronouns in email signatures; and I’m here for it! It’s a great way to ensure smooth communication in an increasingly gender-aware world. There’s been a whole new revolution happening, though, and it’s in the understanding and acceptances of our mental divergencies – specifically with neurodivergent folk (Autism, ADHD) becoming aware of their whole community. Even better, and more exciting, in people who are awakening to their own ADHD/Autism when they’d been living in shame at their minds for all their years. Let’s go beyond just pronouns, and include our neurotype in our signatures, too. It’s not a trendy move, but rather a real, impactful, and professional away to ensure easy communication. Let’s explore the reasons we’ll want to include both of these in our email signatures:
- Pronouns: A Gateway to Respectful Communication
Imagine receiving an email from someone and not knowing how to address them. Awkward, right? By including your pronouns in your email signature, you’re giving others a clear path to communicate respectfully. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter! “Hi, I’m Bob, he/him. How about you?” – it’s like a secret handshake for inclusivity.
- Neurotypes: Celebrating Our Beautiful Minds
Now, let’s talk about neurotypes. By proudly stating whether you’re neurodivergent or neurotypical, you’re opening up a world of understanding. It’s like saying, “Hey, my brain works in this sort of way!” That’s awesome. Many of us neurodivergent people have been building up ways to interact with Neurotypical people for years, and some of us are pretty good at masking ourselves to appear Neurotypical most of the time. I’m especially good at doing it online – but I’d rather not have to. If I know I’m talking to someone who’s neurodivergent, I can make sure my language is clear, focused, and free of subtext. Why? Because I know both Autistic and ADHD people can struggle with subtext and often prefer direct and deliberate language.
- Breaking the Ice with Humour
Adding a touch of humour to your email signature can lighten the mood and make connections even stronger. When I crafted my own email signature, I put in: He/Him, Neurospicy
Why Neurospicy? It’s not to make fun of any particular neurotype; but to highlight the fact that mine is atypical. It’s like a normal mind, just with a dash of hot sauce to keep it interesting!
- Promoting Inclusivity: A Ripple Effect
When you list your pronouns and neurotype, you inspire others to do the same. It creates a ripple effect that spreads throughout your organization or network. Before you know it, everyone is proudly displaying their pronouns and neurotypes, making it easier for everyone to navigate respectful conversations. It’s a small change that can lead to a big impact!
- Building Trust and Connection
Including pronouns and neurotypes in your email signature builds trust and connection with your recipients. It shows that you’re aware and considerate of diverse identities and experiences. By fostering an inclusive environment, you’re more likely to create meaningful connections and establish long-lasting relationships.
That’s why I think it’s important to list both pronouns and neurotype. It lets us understand each other better, and build better relationships. By embracing our unique identities and celebrating the diversity of our minds, we create a more welcoming world. So, go ahead, update your email signature, and let your pronouns and neurotype shine. Together, we can make a difference, one email at a time!
Remember, it’s not just about the email signature; it’s about the impact we can have on the people we interact with. Let’s build a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and appreciated for who they are – quirks, pronouns, and all!
