Course description
Breaking Bias
We all suffer from unconscious bias. Neuroscientists believe that more than 99% of the decisions we make and the actions we take are outside our conscious awareness. Most of the time we operate on autopilot – relying on deep-in-the-brain biases, preferences and assumptions that operate largely automatically.
While these mental shortcuts help us make decisions quickly and with little effort, they can have unintended consequences, including irrational thinking and faulty decision-making. When people are involved, bias can result in stereotyping, prejudice and a lack of diversity – and a multitude of problems at work.
This session helps people not only become aware of their own unconscious biases but gives them practical techniques for acting more consciously and making objective decisions.
Upcoming start dates
Outcome / Qualification etc.
Learning Objectives
- Appreciate the importance of understanding how unconscious bias works
- Recognise our own hidden preferences, assumptions and biases
- Know how to think more critically and consciously when making decisions
- Be aware of the dangers of prejudice and stereotyping other people
- Have an action plan for how to implement the learning so it’s sustainable and transferrable
Training Course Content
Welcome, agenda, reflection of own unconscious biases
Welcome, introduction to the system. How our unconscious bias affects the everyday decisions we make. Quick reflection activity that uncovers participants’ own unconscious biases, assumptions and hidden preferences. Agenda and personal objectives using ‘chat’.
Common biases
Why humans have bias and the benefits of it in relation to making quick decisions. Being aware of the main biases (including Affinity Bias, Halo and Horns Effect and Confirmation Bias) so participants are able to manage them to avoid inappropriate decision-making.
The impact of bias on business
Our own biases are formed through experience and exist in nature to help us ‘cut corners’ on decision-making by using previous experience to help us make speedy assumptions. Bias can affect many actions and decisions made in business: recruiting people who meet the assumptions we make for success, ‘women are more empathic’, ‘a person who has a degree will be better at the job’, etc. The dangers of making decisions so quickly. How stress and fatigue affect our decisions. Group ‘chat’ exploring decisions participants have made in the past.
Managing bias effectively
Tips on managing bias and decision-making such as questioning the decisions you make, learning more about unconscious bias and hidden preferences. Reflection exercise helps participants identify what more they can and will do to control and avoid poor decision-making in future.
Action plans and next steps
Participants reflect on their next steps and how they will implement their learning in the workplace. Each person makes a commitment for what they will do differently in a group whiteboard which can be circulated to participants following the session as a reminder of their actions.
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Maximum Performance
At Maximum Performance, we are passionate about improving the performance of individuals, teams and organisations. Our extensive portfolio of courses are offered via a range of flexible delivery options - including open courses, in-house training, webinars and virtual classrooms. We...