Uncovering Unconscious Bias

Today’s successful leader demands a different kind of mind-set, a conscious mindfulness in how we show up with people, how we impact and influence people, and how to get others to follow what we want as leaders in healthy and constructive ways. Anyone can be a leader at any level…we all have that opportunity and potential…and, we can rise to the top with even some of the most despicable traits (we see it today).  But, it really takes a healthy mindset invested in growth of self AND others, to really be successful, influential, positively regarded, and remembered as a truly GREAT leader. Sure, others have gone and will go down in history with the title of “leader” but in what light?   Here are three questions to ask yourself:             

1) Where would you like to see yourself by the end of the year, in the next 5 years, and in the next 10-20 years?

2) In what areas do you want to grow and get better? 

3) What kind of legacy or imprint do you want people to remember you by?

Take time now to invest in your growth and determine the course of your future legacy. That's one of the great things about the human condition…we can always learn, always develop, and get better and better at what we do. 

For those of you who want to rise in formal leadership or those who want to develop a more positive presence and impact on those around you, take stock of the SIX things you can start doing now. But, don’t stop there. Make your thoughts and learnings actionable into specific steps that you can accomplish in the next 30 days. 

#1 Uncover traits that get in the way of being successful. There might be things that you do and are not even aware of how they interfere with your ability to influence and lead others. Start here by taking this quick survey on how you show up! https://relationships-at-work.com/spice-game/

#2 Discover the impact we have on others and we don’t even know it! Too often, I hear people say ”this is who I am…deal with it.”  While this might be considered arrogant from many perspectives, this mindset promotes a reactive, fear-based response resulting in negative influence and impact on others, interfering and obstructing our ability to be more productive and effective.

#3 Embrace traits that build reputations and maximize influence. Words like “influence,” “positive impact” and “powerful persuasion” are keys to bringing out the effective leader in you. 

#4 Discover how to build trust in relationship.   “It takes time to build trust but only moments to dash it.” Avoid the missteps that erode trust. Without trust, we can’t and won’t move forward. Without trust, we won’t follow others and others won’t follow us. 

#5 Lead with character by taking a look at your values and how you communicate. Bring them to life through your actions and your words.

#6 Know when and how to make a difference in how we show up with others. Instead of being unconsciously incompetent, learn from others how you come across and do something about it.  Download two helpful e-books here: https://relationships-at-work.com/

What can we do to eradicate unconscious bias? Continue to develop your E.Q, not just your I.Q., by expanding your emotional intelligence.  This might include things like developing skills around anger management, presentation skills, managing stress, demonstrating empathy and compassion, managing time, better decision-making, how to communicate better, how to deliver more effective customer services, and developing the capacity to be flexible, resilient, and accountable for yourself and the actions of your employees. 

It's all in the small stuff...the small touches and differences we can make in the lives of others. We talk about "don't sweat the small stuff" but when it comes to human relationships, it's all in the small stuff we do for and around others. Making small changes here and there can have a profound impact on those around us. So what do you have to lose? You'll lose nothing but gain from a new sense of self that leads to happier living.

Here's a quote from Jack Welch on E.Q. who well known for his leadership at General Electric:

“A leader’s intelligence has to have a strong emotional component. He has to have a high level of self-awareness, maturity and self-control. She must be able to withstand heat, handle setbacks and when those lucky moments arrive enjoy success with equal parts of joy and humility. No doubt emotional intelligence is more rare than smarts, but my experience says it's actually more important in the making of a leader you just can’t ignore it."

Take steps to be conscious in your efforts by moving from unconscious incompetency (don't know what you don't know) to conscious incompetency (know what you don't know), develop the skills and become consciously competent (know and act on what you know) with the ultimate goal of being unconsciously competent (you live and breathe in all walks of life a new awareness of others and a positive mindset that influences others well.

Some background on Dr. D...The MINDSET Doc

Dr. D is the president and founder of Relationships of Work, Inc. founded in 2011 based on more than 25 years as a Workplace Mediator, Business Psychologist and a nationally recognized Speaker and Trainer. She has mediated hundreds of workplace disputes and seen performance at all levels damaged by poor communication and inability to handle conflict well. Known as expert in corporate communication, workplace conflict and emotional intelligence, her training and coaching sessions provide immediate take-a-ways to put into action at work and at home.  People love her as a Keynote Speaker.

She's the author of E-Books on "Your Emotional Potential: How You Show Up Matters" and "The Psychology of Conflict & Art of Compassion.” She’s working on another book called The Psychology of Good Bosses vs. Bad Bosses: The Implications for Leadership. And, she hosts monthly podcasts on Leading Consciously Now, Navigating the Interactive Process, and Families in Trouble.