Unconscious bias leads us to act and behave in a certain way, most of the time unknowingly. Sometimes, our minds are shadowed by preconceived notions that comes from your experience or set by the society. If you feel you don’t belong to this category, think again. Ever said or thought of categorizing individuals or a group of people based on gender, stereotypes, generic criteria or assumptions?
It’s a common scenario having a group of people or individuals being pinned down as victims at workplace for unapparent reasons. A bias judgement that would typically be heard bouncing off office walls would be “You can’t trust these young ones with these things” or “You’re being a typical woman! So emotional.” These phrases reflect unconscious bias behaviour which is often portrayed discriminate or undermine a certain groups of people, based on multiple reasons or situations.
Unconscious bias is most evident during hiring process, career progression and performance review. According to Harvard Business Review, some actual achievements are often aside in favour of those who fit some group of stereotyoes, likely to succeed.
“Most of us believe that we are ethical and unbiased. We imagine we’re good decision makers, able to objectively size up a job candidate or a venture deal and reach a fair and rational conclusion that’s in our, and our organization’s, best interests. But more than two decades of research confirms that, in reality, most of us fall woefully short of our inflated self-perception.”
If you want to be more mindful with your thoughts and actions, then practice these tips and see the difference.
It starts with you
Recognize your own biasness and strive to make a difference from within.
Reflect your thoughts
Before making any assumptions, ask yourself – Is this true? Is it always true? What evidence do I have?
Eliminate gender-bias
Avoid making gender-based and stereotypical conversations in your daily life.
Walk the talk
Continue to provide and demonstrate an unbiased culture at work and in daily life.
Be honest
Provide honest and credible feedback based on equality and diversity.
Celebrate differences
Recognize that people around you are diverse and balance off their strengths as a team rather than focusing on their individual strength.
One size does not fit all
Challenge generic requirements that may cause gender bias.
