How to 'Unlearn' My Unconscious Biases
As a speaker on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), I often talk about the impact of unconscious bias on organisations and individuals. But what can we do to unlearn these biases and create more inclusive and equitable workplaces and communities?
Here are a few steps you can take to start unlearning unconscious biases:
Acknowledge your biases: The first step in unlearning unconscious biases is to acknowledge their existence. This can be difficult, as unconscious biases are often deeply ingrained and may not be immediately visible. However, by becoming more aware of your own biases and how they may impact your thoughts, feelings, and actions, you can start to address them.
Educate yourself: Another way to unlearn unconscious biases is to educate yourself about different perspectives and experiences. This can help you to broaden your understanding and develop a more inclusive mindset.
Reflect on your actions and decisions: Take some time to reflect on your actions and decisions, and consider whether they may be influenced by unconscious biases. Are you giving everyone an equal opportunity to succeed and thrive? Are you treating everyone with respect and fairness?
Seek out diverse perspectives: Surround yourself with people who have different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. This can help you to see things from a different point of view and to challenge your own biases.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness involves paying attention to your thoughts and actions in the present moment, without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, you can become more aware of your biases and how they may be impacting your interactions and decisions.
Overall, unlearning unconscious biases is a continuous process that requires self-reflection, education, and a willingness to challenge our own beliefs and assumptions. By taking these steps, we can work towards creating more inclusive and equitable workplaces and communities.
