Transforming Conversations With the SCARF Model
September 10, 2025
This fourth article in the series Jennifer is writing for TIE explores a framework to help understand how we can work on our communication within five domains of the human social experience that will support our ability to be influential and understood in collaborative settings and in our discussions around polarizing topics.
Excerpt:
Since my last article, the global news has only reinforced how polarized and uncertain our world has become. We are clearly living in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world, and now, even BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible) offers another lens for understanding today’s challenges. Regardless of the acronym, the goal remains the same: to stay grounded and present. These articles aim to offer timely, practical strategies to help us remain thoughtful, capable, and steady amid constant change.
In a world filled with political, organizational, and personal pressures, we must avoid adding unnecessary psychological or social strain. Context matters. What works in one region may not work in another. As always, contextual awareness needs to inform how the concepts and frameworks mentioned in these articles could be used successfully. By developing adaptable frameworks and having more intentional conversations, we can lead in more humane and growth-oriented ways.
About Jennifer Abrams
Jennifer has been recognized as one of "21 Women All K-12 Educators Need to Know" by Education Week's 'Finding Common Ground' blog. She considers herself a "voice coach," helping others learn how to best use their voices – be it collaborating on a team, facilitating a group, coaching a colleague, supervising an employee and being an all around better human being in all types of interactions.
Work with Jennifer
Praise for Jennifer
“Jennifer has so squarely hit the mark with our teacher-leaders that she is one of the few presenters that they are always requesting when professional development is the question. Here at the University of Chicago, this acclaim and recognition does not come easily! Jennifer has a way of presenting information that gets quickly to the heart of the matter. Her ability to read the true needs of the group, regardless of the original focus, has made her a favorite among the faculty here at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools.”
