Unconscious Bias - one day intensive intervention for individuals or teams

This programme is designed to help specific teams to truly understand the elements of hidden bias and beliefs that may work against them, and to ultimately accept that it is natural to have these bias', but the job of each one of us is to watch for them, deal with them and work towards new beliefs that will serve us better as leaders in the 21st Century. 

It is intensive, beginning in the morning by exploring the brain's own hardwiring and why there are many good reasons for us to have this ability.

Later in the day we begin to look more closely at both individual and corporate hidden bias.  There is pair work and small group activities which helps individuals to come to terms with their own conscious and subconscious thoughts by exploring case studies and the testimonials of others.  We then build in new language around bias.  Finally, our discussion explores how to recognise unconcscious bias in self and colleagues and how to remain aware.

Emphasis is placed on remaining authentic, whilst being prepared to alter beliefs that no longer serve a positive purpose.

This workshop can form part of the "VIVE!" programme as an extended V for Variation module. 

The morning session
On arrival delegates will be asked to complete some visual tasks (audio alternatives for the visually impaired may be made available), as part of a networking/ice breaking activity.  For larger groups we can also use actors to enhance this exercise.

The full morning session includes theories to debate, exercises to explore and input to absorb specifically:

• Gaining an understanding of the difference between bias, prejudice and discrimination
• Becoming accustomed to how bias begins within our psyche, and how it is submerged into the subconscious
• The hard wiring of you, pre established filters
• Exploding some myths around bias being abnormal and unacceptable
• Negative intent being a rare thing
• Taking a view around what impact unconscious bias has or may have on our team practice and success
• Exploring past conformational behaviours we may have displayed

The afternoon session is concerned with more individual discovery.  Aimed at enabling the delegates to get conscious, stay authentic and gain exploratory tools to raise awareness. The emphasis is on guided pair work and self discovery through exercises and scenario explorations. 

• Exploring the bias of this group and rewriting the affinity bias of the past  (see below) 
• Tuning into the indicators that signal the arrival of your bias
• Becoming aware of the beliefs that serve and those that are redundant
• Understanding the perspective of others
• Spotting affinity bias in yourself and others
• Using micro affirmations - small things count
• How one can allow the unconscious organisational bias to effect group thinking and our individual choices - and how to deal with this
• Justification - the bias fights back
• Action learning commitment for the future

Optionally, the group may undergo a set of three bias tests completed anonymously via the internet.  This will form an aggregate example of a group's bias and make for more directed discussions on the first point of the afternoon exercise. 

For more information please click on the links below:

Unconscious bias overview
A choice of interventions
Key concepts of unconscious bias

To find out more or to arrange a preliminary discussion please e-mail info@angela-peacock.com