Leadership
So What Can Managers Do?
1.Raise Awareness of Unconscious Bias
Working together with their peers, managers can take the first step by raising awareness of the whole subject of unconscious bias, thereby bringing it to the surface and from the unconscious to the conscious mind. This helps people to be more aware of their decision-making processes, as well as their verbal and body language.
(This article has focused primarily on unconscious bias and performance management. However, we often apply the very same biases to customers, peers and people we are in contact with in our social lives.)
2.‘Implicit Association Tests’ (IAT’s )
A more in-depth analysis of individual unconscious biases can be identified through Implicit Association Tests (IAT’s) which are designed to bring to the surface stereotypes and prejudices that are outside of the conscious mind. (However, use with caution. It is best practice to have professional support on hand to explore the results from any such test, should it be required.
3.Put it onto the agenda
The more open the working environment and the more unconscious bias is discussed in a constructive manner, the more self-awareness is created. Other ways to help are to remind colleagues of organisational values and why they are in place, to ensure that diversity and respect development is included in induction and other appropriate training programmes, such as recruitment, performance management and leadership.
4.Leaders to lead the way
Leaders at all levels can lead the way by being more self-aware of when they are exercising favoritism of particular individuals or groups of people. Managers who consciously work to be more inclusive are likely to be more aware of their biases and as a result take decisions based on the reality of performance outcomes.
Kasmin Cooney is Managing Director at Righttrack Consultancy. In 2011, she was awarded an OBE for services to Training & Export. She is renowned for her extensive, international experience in Learning & Development, cutting edge ideas and highly creative approach.
http://www.righttrackconsultancy.co.uk