The biases we have against people who are deemed “different” are negative forces. We want to counter the negative with the positive but, where to start?
Begin by engaging in many honest and vulnerable conversations, with yourself and others. As we work to shed light on “the how”, please note that none of us will do this perfectly.
NOTE: A request for mercy. If in this blog or elsewhere, you hear something that you disagree with, makes you uncomfortable, or, God forbid, offends you, then communicate. Directly. Let’s work together towards healthy human connections through effective communication because…
Remaining silent is no longer an option.
Why counter the negative with the positive?
Countering the negative force of unconscious bias helps us avoid the mayhem that is clearly permeating throughout our society:
- Extreme Division
- Superiority
- Bigotry
- Racism
- Polarization
Change is a must, but humans don’t like change. Harvard University professors Lisa Laskow Lahey and Robert Kegan, authors of Immunity to Change, said that as a species we are, “devoted to our existing ways, even when our lives are on the line”.
If the majority of people won’t or can’t break antiquated habits to save their own lives, why do we think they’ll do it for others?
It must be intrinsic. Therefore, take time to be mindful of WHY, specifically, you will do the hard work necessary to diminish unconscious or unintentional bias. WHY you are motivated?
It’s different for everyone. Tackling this initiative might lead to financial gain, to a healthier and more peaceful world for current and future generations or to both. And, of course, nearly everyone is well aware of George, Floyd, Breeona Taylor, and so many others.
Once you know your WHY, also understand that we have a long, arduous road ahead.
Our brains are especially averse to change. Psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. Judson Brewer, of the Mindfulness Center at Brown University says we literally have to “hack our brains” in order to overcome repetitive conditioning. But it is possible. Our brains are naturally and continuously in judgement mode, in an effort to keep us safe. They can become very harsh critics based on our past conditioning. Our judgements and biases towards others can be viewed as bad habits, rooted in conditioning.
But there’s a silver lining. Brewer says, “Most of our biases are learned. That means they can be unlearned or reprogrammed”.
Easier said than done! Here are steps you can take towards diminishing biases through awareness and action. These are the same steps used to conquer other insidious habits our society is currently facing like alcohol, drugs, overeating and over-consumption of electronics.
Run through this process slowly while remembering your WHY. Take a deep breath in between each step.
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- Anticipate internal discomfort and become willing to ride it out.
- Be thoroughly honest with yourself and think about someone you may judge unfairly.
- Understand that how you view the person may be an old, antiquated habit, learned through conditioning.
- Envision the results of keeping your habit.
- Envision best case scenario (your WHY), like a world with fewer biases, less polarization, a more fair and equitable society, or a diverse and powerful leadership team.
- Bravely make an updated choice to think or speak differently to (and about) this person.
Repeat. Consistently.
Do not expect perfection and immediate results. Humans only change and evolve through will, skill, and practice. But we can do this IF we honor this work, avoid our many distractions, fumble, focus and keep at it.
Over the past few months millions of companies have created mission statements around the topic of unconscious bias, Black Lives Matter and diversity and inclusion. This is a great start. If you haven’t already, take time to establish what you and your company value; what you stand for and what you won’t stand for.
But then what? A mission statement is just text! The only way to forever alter the biases that are ravaging our people and hindering business and human growth is through consistent action–by doing things differently, in thought and words.
Thank you to the team who supported this blog and help lead our effort to diminish unconscious bias in the workplace:
Jennifer Maddie,
Sheila Jacobs
Erinn Allen
Alyssa Gentry
Diogo DaSousa
Amanda Brown
