Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging: What is Unconscious Bias?
On this episode of Financially Naked: Stories from The Financial Gym, our host is Rachel Adaline, HR Manager at The Financial Gym. Joining her is Jenn Graham, founder, and CEO of Inclusivv. Like other companies, The Financial Gym has a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB) Program. To share that internal program with the community, this show's last episode of each month is dedicated to a financial topic with a DEIB twist.
Today, we are focusing on unconscious bias. We all have biases, and unconscious bias is the most common. Jenn shares her knowledge and expertise so we can learn more about our unconscious biases and how they can be addressed.
Podcast Notes
Inclusivv is about creating space for courageous conversation, inclusion, and belonging. They launched in January 2022 and have grown over the past year.
They have different services, with the most popular being the monthly experience. It's a group of people worldwide tackling heavy topics in a safe, inviting, and brave space. It's a place to learn, grow, and walk away with clear action steps.
What is bias?
Bias is explicit prejudice in favor or against a certain individual or group. Bias can have both positive and negative consequences.
As human beings, we all have biases. Our brains are designed to help us process the information we take daily and create shortcuts. It's a survival technique based on our lived experiences.
There are different types of biases:
Explicit bias is conscious. It's when you're blatantly aware of the bias.
Unconscious (implicit) biases are biases we aren't always aware of.
Why are we focusing on unconscious or implicit bias?
Unconscious bias is way more common. These biases are formed outside of our conscious awareness.
So many aspects of life shape our unconscious bias, from the media we consume, the people we're around, the news we read, and even the stories we hear from movies and television.
We can manage our unconscious bias. It can be malleable.
Studies like Project Implicit at Harvard can help you identify your biases. There are so many different kinds, and it can help you understand how to show up or how others respond to you.
How can we address our unconscious biases?
Self-awareness and taking ownership is the first step. Understand your own identity and the unique privileges that come with that.
Find or create a space to talk with others, free of blame or shame.
This is not a switch that can be flipped. It takes practice. Exercising empathy is a lifelong journey.
Conscious inclusion is about extending an arm and making them feel welcome, regardless of the identity they hold.
If you want to work with a Certified Financial Trainer to help navigate your finances, schedule a free warm-up call today! If you have any ideas or questions for the show, send an email to trainerpodcast@fingyms.com.
Resources
TedTalk: “How to Reduce Bias in Your Workplace”
Harvard Implicit Bias: Addressing Implicit Bias: How to Identify Your Own
Connect with Jenn and Inclusivv
Website: https://www.inclusivv.co/
Individual memberships: https://www.inclusivv.co/membership