Unconscious Bias

Managing Unconscious (Implicit) Bias

With support and input from Blue Tulip Consultancy, promote an open, fair and inclusive culture within your organisation

Our unconscious (implicit) bias training will help you:

• Communicate effectively across differences

• Reflect your values to stakeholders and customers

• Maintain a dynamic business edge

• Become an inclusive employer

• Recognise the moral and ethical imperative of diversity into practice

“Be the change you want to see in the world” – Gandhi

What Is Unconscious Bias?

According to United Nations, 'Discriminatory behaviour takes many forms, but all involve some kind of exclusion or rejection'. Through ongoing research conducted in various institutions around the world, it has become increasingly apparent that colleagues make choices which subtlely discriminate in favour of or against certain characteristics in a person or group.

These choices are based at an unconscious level, known as Unconscious (Implicit) bias or hidden assumptions. Biases are triggered by our brains making quick judgements and assessments of people and situations based on our background, cultural environment and experiences.

Challenging Our Unconscious Biases to Embrace Diversity

Our unconscious biases and assumptions now need to be challenged due to the major demographic shifts that bring us face to face with new people and unfamiliar ideas. The changes in the workforce and markets require effective and respectful communication between people with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The key to a vibrant and productive environment is by communicating effectively with your colleagues.

Acknowledging and taking responsibility for unconscious bias has a business, ethical and moral imperative. Unconscious biases and implicit associations can and do have an impact on group attitude and behaviours which influence key decisions within organisations where opportunities are missed.

Managing Biases to Promote Better Communication & Relationships

It is therefore important to develop a clear understanding of how to manage biases and recognise the value of creating an open, fair, and inclusive workplace culture.

Cultural, ethnic and racial differences are considered, at best, broad strokes and have the potential to exacerbate differences in a society where every small group and even an individual is a culture.
An exchange between people from different backgrounds assumes that mutual rapport and understanding will be achieved, and productive working relationships will be built.

It is vital to have an understanding of our unconscious biases in communication and to avoid any potential blunders or misunderstanding.

The differences in matters such as language, etiquette, non-verbal communication, norms and values can, do and will lead to blunders.

Understanding and appreciating differences ultimately promotes clearer communication, breaks down barriers, builds trust, strengthens relationships, opens horizons and yields tangible results in terms of business success.