How can you identify and address unconscious biases in LGF sessions?

1 Assess your own biases

The first step to address unconscious biases is to acknowledge that you have them. No one is immune to biases, and they are often shaped by our personal and professional experiences, values, and beliefs. You can use self-assessment tools, such as the Implicit Association Test (IAT), to measure your implicit preferences and attitudes towards different social groups. You can also reflect on your own assumptions and stereotypes, and how they might affect your LGF style, methods, and goals. For example, do you tend to favor certain voices or perspectives over others? Do you use language or examples that might exclude or offend some participants? Do you avoid or confront sensitive or controversial topics?

4 Monitor and adjust your behavior

The fourth step to address unconscious biases is to monitor and adjust your behavior during the LGF session. You can use various strategies and skills to avoid or minimize the influence of your biases on your facilitation. For example, you can use active listening and empathy, such as paraphrasing, summarizing, or asking open-ended questions, to understand and acknowledge different views and experiences. You can also use positive reinforcement and recognition, such as praise, appreciation, or feedback, to support and validate all participants. You can also use constructive criticism and conflict resolution, such as reframing, clarifying, or mediating, to address and resolve any issues or disagreements that might arise from biases.

5 Seek and provide feedback

The fifth step to address unconscious biases is to seek and provide feedback after the LGF session. You can use various methods and channels to collect and analyze feedback from your participants, such as surveys, interviews, or focus groups. You can also ask for feedback from your co-facilitators, observers, or mentors, who can offer you different perspectives and insights on your LGF performance. You can use the feedback to identify and evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, and to improve your LGF skills and knowledge. You can also share and discuss the feedback with your participants, and thank them for their participation and contribution.

6 Commit to continuous learning

The sixth and final step to address unconscious biases is to commit to continuous learning and development as a LGF. You can use various resources and opportunities to expand and update your LGF knowledge and skills, such as books, podcasts, webinars, or courses. You can also join and participate in LGF networks and communities, such as online forums, social media groups, or events, where you can exchange ideas, experiences, and best practices with other LGF professionals. You can also set and review your personal and professional LGF goals, and track and celebrate your progress and achievements.