The Truth About Unconscious Bias

Myth #1: "Unconscious bias doesn't affect me"

This is the first hurdle - unconscious bias is universal. It’s not a sign that someone is overtly prejudiced or has bad intentions. Our brains are wired to make quick judgments based on past experiences, cultural influences, and societal norms. These biases operate on autopilot and often without our awareness. Even the most open-minded, progressive individuals can have unconscious biases because they’re more about how our brains process information than about our personal values. This is the first step to overcoming the effects of unconscious bias: awareness.

Myth #2: "Unconscious biases are only about race or gender"

Unconscious bias goes well beyond race and gender. It can influence our perceptions of age, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, appearance, and even accents or mannerisms. These biases can affect everything from hiring decisions to team dynamics to who gets included in social circles. The broader our understanding of the spectrum of bias, the more effective we can be in addressing it.

Myth #3: "Unconscious bias is the same as discrimination"

While both can lead to unfair outcomes, unconscious bias and conscious discrimination are not the same. Discrimination is a deliberate action or behaviour based on prejudice, while unconscious bias is an automatic, often subtle, inclination that can influence decisions without us even realising it. However, the impact can be just as significant, which is why it’s crucial to address unconscious biases, even though they’re not intentional.

Myth #4: "If it is unconscious, I can't do anything about it"

Just because these biases operate unconsciously doesn’t mean we’re powerless against them. The first step is awareness - once you recognise that biases exist, you can actively work to counteract them. This might mean slowing down your decision-making process, questioning your assumptions, or seeking out other perspectives to challenge your initial thoughts. Unconscious bias training can be a helpful starting point, but it’s the ongoing commitment to self-reflection and behavioural change that really makes a difference.

Myth #5: "Now I know about unconscious bias, I can eliminate it"

Let’s be honest - eliminating unconscious bias entirely isn’t realistic. These biases are deeply rooted in our cognitive processes. However, we can significantly reduce their impact by being vigilant and consistently using strategies to mitigate bias. This means committing to continuous learning, encouraging diverse viewpoints, and creating spaces where everyone feels valued and heard. The goal isn’t perfection but progress - taking steps to minimise the effects of bias wherever possible.

Awareness is Key

Unconscious bias is a natural part of how our brains work, but its impact can be managed with conscious effort. By busting these myths, we shift the conversation from assigning blame to promoting awareness and action. Recognising that we all have biases and committing to ongoing self-reflection and improvement is crucial for creating more inclusive workplaces and communities.

Discover BMS Progress Training

Understanding unconscious bias is just the beginning. BMS Progress has years of experience upskilling and training leaders and managers across a wealth of sectors. To create lasting change and lead with impact, equip yourself and your team with the tools and strategies needed to nurture an inclusive, high-performing environment.

If you’re interested in developing your leadership and/or management team, why not explore our bespoke training and Apprenticeship programmes? To find out more, get in touch with us today.

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