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Unconscious bias training is based on 2 mistakes. Protect your budget by avoiding both. 1. Not understanding what the research says. This article is a great example. They say: “Via analysis of data from several studies that most implicit bias training efforts suffer from flawed methodology and translational gaps that compromise their integrity.” This isn’t a new finding. It's not just about health care providers. I’ve been saying this for years. People who promote unconscious bias training: Don’t know this. OR Don’t want you to know this. Both are bad news when your CFO finds out. 2. Not understanding what the real world says. I’ve spoken to over 300 leaders on this topic. “Unconscious Bias Training” is very popular. - They felt under pressure to act. - They wanted to do something. - They didn’t know what to do. None of them said it was effective. They never checked to see if it worked. This is my experience. Are you aware of yours? Here’s the real issue: - There is a lack of evidence to show it’s effective. - There is no appetite to scrutinise this training. - There was no review of the standards. This wastes time and resources. More importantly it robs you of results. Please be careful. Check out this article for yourself here. https://lnkd.in/euQA4ewF
Leaders respond in predictable ways to DEI initiatives like training.. here I explore 4 responses. https://podcast.elementofinclusion.com/4-ways-everyday-leaders-respond-to-diversity-practices/
Dr. Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey I agree with you that the training needs to be looked at carefully. But based on my own experience I think the focus of the original concept may have changed over the years and in the process has been diluted and misdirected. I'm not sure why and can only guess. - When I attended my first training on unconscious bias in 2014 there was a different tone and methodology. There was no mention of eradicating / reducing / eliminating bias. The theme was managing bias to to minimise the impact on decision making. I notice even in the study you reference, they talk about reduction in bias. Bias was also framed in terms of probably quite basic neuroscience but it was effective. - I attended another training by a well known provider very recently intending to check if I needed an up date ( only 60 minutes). It seems to me that for whatever reason the concept has been condensed to acceptable corporate box checking soundbites which will have minimal impact. Acknowledging bias is uncomfortable and that is part of the problem perhaps.
UB training is worse than useless — it is actively damaging. People who undertake it get better at hiding the evidence of their biases, rather than confronting and erasing them. Besides, people at the sharp end of bias don't care whether it's 'unconscious' or not; they simply want it to stop. Whether bias is subconscious (an infinitely more accurate descriptor of what UB training claims to be addressing), or conscious isn't the point. Everyone can reduce bias by acknowledging we all hold them (for good evolutionary reasons); continually critically reviewing our decisions and actions; and holding ourselves accountable, both by metrics (objective data) and reporting (accountability partners, formal analyses, etc). https://www.cultureamp.com/blog/unconscious-bias-training
I would rather 'train folks' how to critically think. Bias training is fine to highlight we all have them and how they could affect decisions and actions. You then need to follow that up with further support on a range of topics linked to EI as well as contextual technical expertise in whatever field you work or whatever personal challenge you are looking to resolve. Then its effective as its pragmatic and linked to behaviours, performance and outcomes. I am getting as tired as you with one dimensional quick fix solutions to problems that run deep. ??
This doesn’t surprise me; however, the unconscious bias training I attended when working at Boeing10 years ago was very well done and eye opening. Even though I considered myself learned on this topic (conducted harassment and discrimination investigations for a very long time), I was still able to see many areas of my own unconscious bias. I’ve never forgotten it. The woman who presented it was very good – she knew her topic inside and out and fielded some tough questions. Like with most things, the presenter makes all the difference.
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4 天前If you want to go further. Here I explore if DEI training is a waste of time https://podcast.elementofinclusion.com/is-dei-training-a-waste-of-time/