How to overcome Unconscious Bias
You have two candidates for the job: A and B. You choose A – the one you believe to be the most qualified. What if the names & genders on their resumes were removed?
Unconscious bias is real. In fact, 98% of your brain activity is COMPLETELY unconscious.
In Freud’s psychoanalytic theory of personality, the unconscious mind is a reservoir of feelings, thoughts and memories that influences judgments, feelings or behaviours. We access these resources naturally and spontaneously to make decisions. Sometimes, this works out well for us. Other times, it significantly impacts our behaviour and ability to make the best decisions. We miss out on choosing the best team players, the best opportunities, taking risks and seeking innovation.
To overcome unconscious bias, challenge yourself and others too. Override unconscious decisions with rational thoughts and a rational approach and if you can’t, ask a colleague or a manager to call you out. Strive for transparent thinking and fair decision making and make evidence-based decisions.
Where Corporate meets Wellness is being aware and conscious of how you exercise choice. Have the guts to challenge yourself to overcome unconscious bias. Change starts within.
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