How can you address unconscious bias to improve your organization's resilience and inclusion?

2 Educate yourself and others

The second step to addressing unconscious bias is to educate yourself and others about the causes, effects, and types of unconscious bias. You can learn more about the cognitive and social processes that shape our biases, such as confirmation bias, affinity bias, or halo effect. You can also learn about the different dimensions of diversity, such as race, gender, age, or disability, and how they affect people's opportunities, perspectives, and contributions. By educating yourself and others, you can increase your awareness and empathy, and foster a culture of learning and curiosity.

3 Diversify your network and exposure

The third step to addressing unconscious bias is to diversify your network and exposure to different people and situations. You can seek out and connect with people who have different backgrounds, experiences, and opinions than you, and listen to their stories and insights. You can also expose yourself to different sources of information, such as books, podcasts, or events, that challenge your views and assumptions. By diversifying your network and exposure, you can broaden your horizons and perspectives, and appreciate the value of diversity.

4 Review your policies and practices

The fourth step to addressing unconscious bias is to review your policies and practices to ensure they are fair and inclusive. You can examine your hiring, promotion, evaluation, or communication processes, and identify any potential sources of bias or discrimination. You can also implement strategies to reduce bias, such as using objective criteria, anonymizing applications, or involving diverse stakeholders. By reviewing your policies and practices, you can create a more equitable and inclusive environment for everyone in your organization.

6 Practice mindfulness and compassion

The sixth step to addressing unconscious bias is to practice mindfulness and compassion to manage your emotions and reactions. You can use techniques like meditation, breathing, or journaling to calm your mind and body, and increase your self-awareness and self-regulation. You can also practice compassion for yourself and others, and acknowledge your mistakes and achievements, and respect and appreciate the differences and similarities among people. By practicing mindfulness and compassion, you can foster a positive and supportive mindset and attitude, and build trust and rapport with others.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?