Last week, we set up something a little different at the Neurodiversity in Business conference: a challenge to rethink the “rules” we all live by.

We asked attendees one simple but powerful question:
“Which social norm do you wish didn’t exist?”

The answers came flooding in. Some made us smile. Some made us think twice. Some stopped us in our tracks.

Today I’m talking about:

• Info: Highlights from our social norms competition

• Tips: How to start questioning social norms in your own spaces

• Next steps: Your chance to vote for the best entry – and spark a conversation

Which social norms are we ready to ditch?

This pin board certainly got people talking, and writing! It’s been amazing to go through all these entries to our competition from last week.

The idea was simple - tell us the social norm you wish didn’t exist and you’ll enter the competition to win a fully funded place on our sought after NeuroNavigator® programme.

At Differing Minds, we try to practice what we preach (alongside recognising that we’re not perfect and are learning alongside everyone else!) So we didn’t just offer the public board. People were also invited to pop their entry in a postbox, or use a QR code to submit digitally. No pressure, no barriers.

And as a result the entries were as diverse as the brains in the room! Some examples we loved:

• “Handshakes” (Because not everyone finds touch comfortable - or necessary - to show respect.) More coming on this next week!

• “Having to maintain eye contact” (Communication is more than staring into someone’s eyes.)

• “Obligation to attend after-work socials” (Inclusion shouldn’t depend on drinking pints or pretending to enjoy small talk.)

• “The 9–5 as the definition of success” (Who decided that productivity can only happen between set hours?)

• “You should smile more” (Spoiler: nobody owes the world a permanent smile.)

• “Background music in shared spaces” (A "nice vibe" for some can be unbearable noise for others.)

• “Wearing uncomfortable ‘smart’ clothes” (Comfort shouldn't be a barrier to being seen as professional.)

• “Forcing introductions in meetings” (There are better ways to connect than putting everyone on the spot.)

We’ve now shortlisted our top 4 entries - and we want YOU to help pick the winner.

👉 Head over to LinkedIn to read the final shortlist and cast your vote!
(And while you’re there, why not share your own “norm” you’d like to see gone?)

Why challenging social norms matters

Social norms shape how we live, work, and interact - often without us even noticing.
But many of these “rules” weren’t made for every brain. Or every body.
They were made for a narrow idea of what’s “normal.”

Questioning norms isn’t about being difficult. It’s about asking: Who does this serve? Who does it leave out? Who are we asking to change, and why?

It’s about making space where more people can breathe.

And sometimes? It starts with the smallest questions. Like:

• Why do we assume quiet = disinterested?

• Why do meetings need to be cameras-on?

• Why are gaps in CVs still seen as “red flags”?

When we question the “rules,” we open the door to rewrite them.

3 ways to challenge social norms in your own spaces

• Create low-pressure ways to participate : Like we did at the conference - offer public, private, and digital ways for people to engage.

• Ask “Who benefits?” : When you notice a “this is how we’ve always done it” moment, pause. Who is it helping? Who might it be excluding?

• Celebrate difference openly : If someone shows up in a way that challenges the norm - different communication style, different pace - celebrate it instead of correcting it.

What next?

🗳️ Vote for your favourite social norm to scrap!
Be part of the conversation: Vote here.

💬 Want to start your own conversation?
Watch out for our future newsletters because we’ll be sharing a compilation of all these social norm competition entries for you to use in your organisation to get people talking.

Closing Thought 🌟

Social norms aren’t carved in stone. They’re written - and they can be rewritten.
Sometimes all it takes is one person brave enough to say: “This isn’t working for everyone. Let’s do better.”

Speak soon,
Jess

PS Whenever you’re ready, here are some ways I can help:

• Join the waitlist for our next NeuroNavigator® programme and become a certified Neurodiversity Champion. Doors open June 2025 for Sept start. We’ve already got more people on the waitlist than we have places - so sign up to the waitlist now to avoid disappointment!

• Want me to speak in your organisation? Head here to book a chat and make a plan.

• Book a FREE Discovery call to chat through how I can support your workplace, your school or your family.