As humans, we’re all biased. The question is not ‘are we biased’, the question is ‘what are our biases’. We unconsciously infer things about people all the time. We do it at work on a daily basis. The challenge is that our biases are rarely blatant. Our biases may surface as subtle micro-behaviors that we often don’t notice. In this webinar, we’ll learn more about bias and what we can do to control and counteract our biases. This webinar will cover some of the ways our brains demonstrate these biases so we can better understand and recognize them, and we will invite participants to discuss ways they can overcome situations where they observe or feel bias.
If interested, before the webinar, watch the video, listen to the podcast or read the article below.
All links provided present the work of Howard Ross, a professional who has focused on diversity and bias.
About our speaker
Dr. Kelly Greaser is a Senior Associate Hydrogeologist with more than 20 years of experience in hydrogeology, geochemistry, and geology in the mining industry and industrial contamination sites. Her experience includes work in hydrogeologic and geochemical characterizations, water resources, mine dewatering, reclamation, and closure. Kelly is also an advocate for women in the industry and is excited to share her observations on the work of Howard Ross.
CEU Credits
For those who wish to earn CEU credits, please complete the associated on-demand GOLI course that was developed from this webinar.
Additional Resources
Additional Questions & Answers from the webinar
Download Questions & Answers
What about reverse bias, where you favor a person that stereotypically could be perceived as the underdog?
I think the goal is to make sure everyone gets the same opportunities. So favoring may go too far, but taking steps to make sure everyone is treated fairly and equitably is reasonable and necessary.
How do you handle polar opposite views--for example, creationist versus scientist/geologist?
Unless someone's views effects how they treat people, we don't all need to share the same views. If someone's views does influence how they treat people, then regardless of the source of the bias, the actions need to be addressed, not their views. As Ross points out, the idea is not the change the 'other', rather understand them.
How important is universal parental leave regardless of gender (vs. only leave for the person who gave birth) in combating bias and discrimination in hiring and promoting? Does the company where you work offer universal parental leave for both parents where applicable?
I personally think parental leave (regardless of gender) is critical. I appreciate the example set by Mark Z when he took 3 months after his child was born, and Microsoft won't work with companies unless they provide parental leave. I used both of these examples in various discussions at a previous company to demonstrate the need to support better parental leave policies. At my current company, Stantec, I am very happy to state they support progressive parental leave, not just for birth of a child but also adoption or placement of a child for foster care!
Can you develop more about PRIMING the BRAIN?
Priming the brain, or the power of suggestion can influence behavior, especially confidence. Several studies have shown that if someone is told they performed well in a task, their confidence increases. And similarly, if told by someone they can do a task, they are more confident to take on that task. This might manifest in a micro-behavior where a person can be supportive of someone doubting their abilities, or a micro-aggression where a person may not support someone else, or more directly may confirm the doubts of someone else. Another example is a person may express their support or doubts of a second person to third person, then the third person is influenced by that opinion and doesn't really form their own individual opinion/impression of the second person.
