What are some ways to address unconscious bias in partnership decision-making?

1 Recognize your own biases

The first step to address unconscious bias is to acknowledge that you have it. No one is immune to unconscious bias, and it can affect how you perceive and interact with people from different backgrounds, cultures, genders, ages, or abilities. To recognize your own biases, you can use self-assessment tools, such as the Implicit Association Test, or seek feedback from others, such as mentors, peers, or partners. You can also reflect on your past decisions and actions, and identify any patterns or gaps that may indicate bias.

2 Educate yourself and others

The second step to address unconscious bias is to educate yourself and others about the sources, types, and impacts of unconscious bias. You can learn more about the psychological and social factors that influence unconscious bias, such as confirmation bias, halo effect, affinity bias, or in-group bias. You can also explore the different dimensions of diversity and inclusion, such as race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. You can share your knowledge and insights with your team, partners, or stakeholders, and create a common language and understanding of unconscious bias.

3 Diversify your network and exposure

The third step to address unconscious bias is to diversify your network and exposure to different perspectives, experiences, and cultures. You can expand your network by reaching out to potential partners from different backgrounds, industries, or sectors. You can also expose yourself to different sources of information, such as books, podcasts, or events, that challenge your assumptions and broaden your worldview. By diversifying your network and exposure, you can reduce the effects of unconscious bias and increase your empathy and curiosity.

4 Implement objective and inclusive criteria

The fourth step to address unconscious bias is to implement objective and inclusive criteria for partnership decision-making. You can use data, evidence, and metrics to evaluate and compare potential or existing partners, rather than relying on intuition or gut feelings. You can also use standardized and transparent processes, such as checklists, rubrics, or scoring systems, to ensure consistency and fairness. Moreover, you can involve diverse and representative voices in your decision-making process, such as by forming a diverse committee or seeking input from different stakeholders.

5 Monitor and evaluate your outcomes

The fifth step to address unconscious bias is to monitor and evaluate your outcomes and impact of your partnership decisions. You can collect and analyze data on your partnership performance, such as satisfaction, retention, revenue, or social impact. You can also solicit and incorporate feedback from your partners, customers, or beneficiaries, and identify any areas of improvement or best practices. By monitoring and evaluating your outcomes, you can assess the effectiveness of your partnership decisions and adjust them accordingly.

6 Commit to continuous learning and improvement

The sixth and final step to address unconscious bias is to commit to continuous learning and improvement. You can recognize that unconscious bias is not a fixed or static trait, but a dynamic and malleable one. You can also embrace a growth mindset and a learning orientation, and seek new opportunities to challenge and improve yourself. Furthermore, you can celebrate and reward your successes and achievements, as well as your failures and mistakes, and use them as learning opportunities. By committing to continuous learning and improvement, you can foster a culture of diversity and inclusion in your partnership decision-making.

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?