Harnessing the Power of Bias with Lisa Tromba

by Therese Spiers

In the 189th episode of The Leadership Project, we had the pleasure of speaking with Lisa Tromba - Managing Partner , a renowned expert in leadership and executive search. Lisa is the managing partner and co-founder of Lisa Tromba Associates and the author of "Mind Knots," a book that delves into the intricate ways cognitive and emotional biases influence leadership. The enlightening conversation offers valuable insights into how leaders can recognise and manage their biases to lead more effectively.

The Journey and Inspiration

Lisa began the discussion by sharing her background and the events that inspired her to write "Mind Knots." Growing up in a modest, blue-collar family, Lisa always had a curiosity and a growth mindset. This perspective pushed her beyond the traditional script of her upbringing and into the vast world of leadership. With over 25 years of experience in executive search, Lisa has worked with leaders from lower to mid-market companies to Fortune 50 giants. Her journey has provided her with a wealth of diverse experiences, which she uses as a laboratory to study leadership dynamics.

Understanding Bias and Its Impact

Lisa emphasised that biases are a part of the human condition; no one is immune to them. Biases act as mental shortcuts, influencing our decisions and behaviours. She outlined three truths about biases:

1. Human Condition: Everyone has biases, even if they don't want to admit it.
2. Mental Lens: Biases filter our perceptions and shape our mental lens.
3. Management Not Elimination: While biases can't be eliminated, they can be managed effectively.

Lisa's key point was the importance of awareness and management of biases. She explained how biases like the ostrich effect, where one ignores uncomfortable information, can hinder personal and organisational growth.

The Dual Nature of Biases

A significant part of the discussion focused on the dual nature of biases. Lisa introduced the concept of “risk and treasure,” explaining that every bias has the potential to both hinder and help us. For instance, egocentric bias, common among leaders, can drive persistence and tenacity but may also lead to individualism and poor team collaboration. Lisa stressed that recognising and balancing these aspects is crucial for effective leadership.

Strategies to Manage Bias

Lisa provided actionable strategies to manage biases:

1. Conscious Pause: Stop and think before reacting.
2. Diverse Perspectives: Involve others in decision-making processes to gain different viewpoints.
3. Intentional Practice: Regularly practice intervention strategies like deep breathing before speaking.
4. Structured Processes: Implement organisational processes to guide decision-making and protect against biased actions.
5. Progress Checks: Continuously monitor and reflect on decision-making patterns to identify and address biases.

Additionally, Lisa highlighted the benefit of having an accountability partner with a counter-bias to ensure balanced decision-making.

The Role of Bias in Recruitment

The recruitment process is rife with biases, both from the recruiter and the applicant. Lisa described common issues like the horns and halo effects, where single experiences disproportionately influence perceptions, and the tendency to hire in one's own image. She emphasized the need for recruiters to be aware of these biases and to involve diverse perspectives to mitigate their impact.

Achieving Bias-Aware Cultures

Beyond individual awareness, Lisa stressed the importance of creating bias-aware cultures within organisations. Biases can become systemic, affecting the entire organisational climate and decision-making processes. Leaders should strive to not only manage their own biases but to foster an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and systemic biases are minimised.

Key Takeaways for Leaders

1. Recognise Personal Biases: Understand your own biases and how they affect your leadership.
2. Surround Yourself with Diversity: Build teams with complementary biases to balance decision-making.
3. Adopt a Five-Point Plan: Implement the five strategies Lisa discussed to ensure intentional and considered decision-making.

Conclusion

The conversation with Lisa Tromba - Managing Partner was an eye-opener, shedding light on the intricate role of biases in leadership. Leaders who understand and manage their biases can turn potential pitfalls into strategic assets, leading to more balanced and effective decision-making. As Lisa aptly puts it, understanding your biases can help you write your own narrative and practice becoming the leader you aspire to be.

Stay connected with Lisa Tromba on LinkedIn, explore her book "Mind Knots" on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRNL2BQL/, and visit her website https://luisitromba.com/ for more insights. This enriching discussion is a valuable resource for anyone looking to harness the power of bias to become a better leader.