Why Diversity Matters: Understanding Unconscious Bias

Do you suspect that you have an unconscious bias that is limiting your network or your career opportunities? On this career development episode of The Digital Enterprise Society podcast, Thom Singer sits down with Deborah Biddle for a conversation about why diversity matters and the importance of understanding unconscious bias in the workplace and in the world. Whether you’re the boss who makes hiring decisions or the employee who is looking to increase your understanding of the role that DEI plays in successful businesses, this conversation is filled with points to ponder and action items that apply to everyone.    On today’s podcast, you will learn:   Defining DEI  Diversity, equity, and inclusion is a widely used term that refers to the unique and different experiences and identities that people bring to the table.  Diversity defines who is in the room and what kind of support, service, and promotions do they get? Consider who engages in your circles that is different from you.  Inclusion is the goal of creating an environment of connection and acceptance- who is valued and feels a sense of belonging?    Overcoming barriers in the workplace There is still an incredible amount of inequality to be overcome.  Pay equity is still grossly unequal, from men to women, and also within women employees.  There are barriers based on perception of abilities and disabilities.  Access to information is not always widely distributed to everyone who needs it.    Increasing feelings of connection and respect Examine practices and procedures to determine if any one type of background, identity or life experience is being excluded.  Eliminate barriers that keep people from being successful, including scheduling and the utilization of technology. Ensure that you are practicing what you preach- DEI only works when it is put to work.  Consider ways that you can look beyond your immediate sphere of influence to make a difference in your organization. Flexibility is a key factor to equity and giving as many people as possible access to work.    What is unconscious bias and why does it matter? Unconscious bias is the stereotyping that can be affecting our actions and decisions in an unconscious way.  Consider popular slogans and how they influence the decisions we make from exposure to them.  A negative indoctrination can also have a negative influence on your decisions.    First steps to making positive change Start by simply recognizing that some of what you have learned about others is true, and some of it isn’t.  Commit to operating out of the best place rather than from your negative unconscious biases.  Slow down in your interactions and assumptions of others.  Ask others for feedback on identifying your biases.  Take Harvard’s Implicit Association test to learn more about your biases.  Pause long enough to process what you’re thinking and feeling about people who are different from you.  Question the assumptions that you have about others and logically analyze your thoughts.  Intentionally act in an unbiased manner and increase your exposure to a wide diversity of people.    Continue the conversation with us within the Digital Enterprise Society Community at DigitalEnterpriseSociety.org.   Digital Download: Virtual Round-Table Series