The objective of this course is to demonstrate to delegates the benefits of tackling the effects of unconscious bias to avoid discriminatory acts in business and the workplace.
Course Context
Unconscious biases, also known as implicit or sub-conscious biases, happen automatically and are triggered by our brains making quick judgements and assessments of people and situations. Unconscious biases are influenced by our background, cultural environment and personal experiences. They have the potential to influence our behaviour and decision making and to prompt us to act in ways that are not objective, fair or based on rational evidence.
In the workplace, overcoming unconscious bias can improve how we assess risk; listen to advice; recruit or promote people; engage with customers; manage teams; provide support; and enables us to process facts objectively. Such improvements can lead to fewer grievances and customer complaints, as well as increased productivity and morale.
Even if people do not consciously intend to discriminate against individuals, they nevertheless do so because of a lack of awareness of their own biases. To avoid discrimination, it is essential that we learn to recognise and acknowledge our personal biases and find ways to mitigate their impact on our behaviour and decision making.
This course will explore the psychological explanation for unconscious bias and how our normal cognitive processes result in unintentional people pretences, leading us to treat people from certain groups more favourably than others. Participants will learn about the complexities of bias and how other cognitive processes maintain and reinforce our original biased assessment creating a bias ‘blind spot’.
Participants will be introduced to methods for managing and mitigating unconscious bias drawn from psychological and behavioural science. They will use this information to ‘deconstruct’ a biased decision-making case study and then to develop an alternative approach. Participants will leave the workshop having identified both individual and organisational actions to take forward.
Key Benefits
- Provide the organisation with the most advanced approach to equality and diversity workplace issues
- Allow individuals to gain insight into their own unconscious biases and understand how these can be managed effectively within their own roles
- Facilitate the human aspects of project management
- Help to develop self and organisational awareness skills that can easily be transferred to other aspects of the business
- Act as a ‘revision’ course for equality and diversity issues with the inclusion of the latest developments in legislation, case law and business
Who Is It For?
The Overcoming Unconscious Bias training course is particularly suitable for those in positions of leadership who need to understand hidden factors that contribute to the success or failure of organisational policy and strategy. It will consolidate their experience and understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion issues, acting as a revision course for them as necessary.
Other managers – particularly those involved in recruitment, selection and promotion – will benefit from time spent analysing their motives in decision-making. The course can also be targeted at employees, in particular those who have a front-line customer service role.
Format
- Keynote
- Two hour intro
- Half or full-day
- Training programme
The course content and capacity can be customised for individuality and to ensure organisations’ specific learning criteria are met. Consultancy in unconscious bias is also an option either as a standalone service or in conjunction with training.
Course Content
What exactly is unconscious bias?
A brief explanation of unconscious bias, with workplace examples
The role of the brain in cognitive biases
A layperson’s introduction to neuroscience and the various types of cognitive biases
The impact on decision-making of unconscious bias
How research has highlighted the manifestation of unconscious bias in areas of decision-making relevant to business and the working environment
Unconscious bias and equality legislation
Responsibility for unconscious bias: does ‘blissful ignorance’ of one’s own biases provide exemption from culpability for discrimination?
Turning unconscious bias into an organisational asset
The business case for meeting the challenges of unconscious bias head on
How to reduce unconscious bias at the organisational level
Strategies that can be applied to all organisational activity
What individuals can do to lessen the impact of their unconscious biases?
Self-assessment methods and ‘coping strategies’ for individuals to consider
Delegate comments for the Overcoming Unconscious Bias course:
"Extremely thought-provoking and also ideas to take away especially in terms of measuring progress."
"Brilliant session. A very comfortable learning environment and the course content was very informative. I did learn a lot from this session."
"I will think more before making any judgements towards anyone. It will affect decisions I make each day both at work and in my personal life."
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Find out more
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We are always happy to talk about our courses and help you to work out the best match for your requirements.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
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