Unconscious bias is when a person unknowingly makes judgements based on their unconscious mind. A tech exec needs to understand and avoid making decisions based on unconscious bias.
Often, individuals are unaware of their own biases, which often stem from their upbringing. For instance, a parent may frequently express disdain for a particular race or creed in the privacy of their home, with their impressionable child as an audience. These encounters leave a lasting impact on the person’s psyche.
Human nature plays a role in our inclination to gravitate towards those who resemble us. In the realm of business, however, it’s crucial to acknowledge that not everyone shares our similarities. Consequently, surrounding ourselves solely with individuals who mirror our own traits can inadvertently reflect a bias, excluding others in the process.
Be aware that your leaders may have these biases and work to help yourself avoid being impacted.
Allow me to provide an illustration of being ensnared by bias:
- You are on a team where everyone is a football lover. They talk about it every day, and the manager has started a fantasy football league.
- You are not a fan and don’t participate in the discussions about the league. So, you are kind of on the outside.
- The team manager establishes a strong bond with each member, sharing their love for football and regularly enjoying lunch together. Although you are not usually included, the camaraderie among them is evident.
- Due to the manager’s substantial interactions with individuals who share a common interest, which often intertwines work discussions and football banter, he also entrusts the most captivating tasks to these individuals.
- You are assigned mostly admirative tasks.
- You articulate your dissatisfaction with the job to your counselor, pondering whether this organization might not be the ideal fit for you.
- Your counselor, as expected, communicates with the manager to inform them about your concern. The manager, however, expresses their own concern that you haven’t directly addressed the issue with them. Furthermore, they mention to your counselor that you appear to be disconnected from the team and lacking motivation.
- Because of the “football connection” you have not felt overly comfortable confiding in the manager.
- Naturally, with the administrative work, and the lack of connection with your manager you are down. Mentally this is just not what you want to be doing.
- The annual appraisals have commenced, and the feedback from your manager and counselor to the management team has been less than satisfactory. Despite your anticipation for a promotion this year, unfortunately, it will not be happening.
Unconscious bias affected your progress, but it’s not your fault for not getting promoted. Your manager favored individuals with similar qualities, lacking inclusivity. Hopefully, your company educates leaders about unconscious bias; but often, they don’t. If not, you’ll need to navigate this situation independently.
It’s tough, but don’t let isolation hold you back. Share your concerns with your manager about feeling excluded and request tasks that promote your growth in the company.
Click here for a post on dealing with the situation of your boss hating you.
