Inclusive Leadership For Dummies

Chapter 6

Minimizing Your Own Biases and Microaggressions

IN THIS CHAPTER

Understanding the meaning of unconscious bias and microaggressions

Making the distinction between intent and impact

Exposing the impacts of bias in the workplace

Applying strategies to interrupt biased behaviors

“Wow, you speak English really well.”

“Tall black men make the best basketball players.”

“You must be really good at math or science.”

“Gen Y and Gen Z are so entitled.”

“You don’t act like the others who are [fill in the blank].”

Ever heard these statements, or ones like them?

While often intended as compliments, they are actually biases and microaggressions. Not only have I heard them said to me, but I too have been guilty of saying them to others. And all of us have likely been guilty of both of these at some point.

This chapter covers what are biases and microaggressions, and how they play out in the workplace in our everyday interactions and in our decision making as leaders. More importantly, I detail some specific ways that you can minimize (or interrupt) them.

Defining Unconscious Bias