Your Bias Can Cost Your Company MILLIONS

It’s Time To Transition

When I applied for an E8 position, which is the second highest rank in the Enlisted corps of the Air Force, I was hopeful to get it but prepared mentally if I had to continue to search for something else.

To my surprise, I received the notification that I was selected and the conversation with the Hiring Manager was the cherry on top, as she informed me that they HAD TO HIRE ME after my interview and due to my experience.

I purchased my home a little over a year ago and now I was faced with the reality that I would have to sell it as I moved from the South to the East Coast.

What I wasn't expecting was the conversation I had with my friend who referred me to her real estate agent.

Friend: "My agent is great and will get your house sold but she does tell it like it is"

Me: "What do you mean?"

Friend: "Be prepared to remove anything related to your racial identity."

Me: "Really!?"

Friend: "Unfortunately that is our reality and she was honest enough to tell us about that bias. When we were looking for our new home, all of THEIR homes had all their family pictures and plaques displayed but for US, we have to hide who we are, so we aren't judged."

Me: "Wow!!"

Reality has set in!!

Not because I am relocating in a couple months to another state and the moving boxes are slowly overtaking my home, it’s because I have to hide my identity.

No, I am not a secret agent and live a double life. I do not have surprises that I need to keep in the dark either; I was told to do so.

At this time, I should only have a focus on removing clutter and making my home look pristine for potential buyers but when your Agent informs you of the reality of racial bias and how that might affect the sale of your home, it’s a reality check of being an African American.

I have served my country for 17 years, but for many I am only seen as black!!

I have served my community and mentor youth, but for many I am only seen as black!!

I have served in a Speaker’s Bureau for 9 years, that raises awareness about interpersonal violence, suicide and resiliency but I am only seen as black!!

I wrote books, I trained corporate and local leaders, I have won multiple awards for my military and community service, but for many I am only seen as black!!

So as I tuck those awards and certifications that have a name that “gives away” my ethnicity, as I tuck away the beautiful faces of my children in their school pictures who are also African American and as I tuck away the framed degrees I was so proud to earn, I had a moment of sadness not for me, but for my children who have to potentially endure bias in their life experiences.

As someone who specializes in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and provides training on these topics to promote change and awareness, I know how unconscious bias works.  These made up stories we have created about people from data embedded from media, social circles and a lack of interaction in diverse spaces result in the unfortunate experiences that many endure.

As an African that migrated to the United States and who has served in the Air Force next to many eclectic groups, my worldview allows me to see the stories behind each individual that debunks any fallacies downloaded from external sources.

A Redfin survey found that 45% of minority home buyers identified both the seller and agents were not as eager to work with them due to their race.

Studies have proven that name bias still exists and resumes will be overlooked if names sound too “ethnic” or “foreign”.

Employees at large companies who perceive bias are nearly three times as likely to be disengaged at work and bias can even cost U.S. companies up to $550 billion a year.

Bias COSTS!!

Not only in revenue but most importantly in relationships that could benefit stakeholders, shareholders, retention, recruiting and workplace culture.

As I reflect on when I purchased my home, I realized that I did not see anything that identified the previous owners.  After the purchase, it was revealed from the names on documents I looked over but I now have to wonder if they too had to hide who they were. They are a part of a minority group that has experienced these same biases so I have a strong belief they had to also endure this “hiding” process.

So I challenge you leaders, what have you done to develop your worldview and unlearn things that have created a personal bias.  What can you do to create a workplace where inclusivity and equity is valued and practiced?

Start with these steps:

1.       Assess your worldview.

• What are your beliefs about the world, your organization, your team, your peers and yourself?

2.       Identify if those beliefs are true, or are they assumptions?

• Where did you learn them?
• Do your beliefs help you move forward as a leader, or are any holding you back?

3.       Invest in Unconscious Bias Training to identify what those biases might be and learn strategies to unlearn those things that can result to discrimination or exclusion.

You might not be able to change everyone but start with the closest person you know, YOURSELF.

“

When we listen and celebrate what is both common and different, we become wiser, more inclusive, and a better organization.

— Pat Wadors