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Who Me? Biased? by Cindy Stradling CSL, CPC

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  • Who Me? Biased? by Cindy Stradling CSL, CPC

Who Me? Biased? by Cindy Stradling CSL, CPC

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April 6, 2021

The mind is a complex thing, and part of the complexity is in how thoughts and beliefs are formed throughout life. While most people would like to believe that they are independent thinkers and come up with beliefs based on actual experiences and interactions, this is simply not the case.

In fact, our unconscious or subconscious mind is constantly receiving information from the world around us. This includes information and experiences from childhood through to our current age. Associations, both good and bad, are formed outside of the conscious mind, and this creates a bias in how we think about others. Biases include stereotypes, but they can go beyond these beliefs.

Bias in the Workplace

While many associate unconscious bias with beliefs about ethnicity, race, or gender, there are other types of unconscious biases at work all the time. For example, a manager may assume a younger employee has less knowledge about a particular business operation than an older employee. The manager may also assume the younger employee is more capable of understanding and utilizing technology than the older employee. These are examples of ageism unconscious biases and something that is very common in the workplace.

There is a lot of research on unconscious bias in the workplace. When hiring, people often see a candidate that has similar interests, comes from the same area, or attended the same schools as a better fit for the job, even if he or she may not have the best qualifications in the shortlist of candidates. 

Additionally, a manager may promote employees or hold employees back based on unconscious bias. Unless the manager is able to reflect on this and determine this underlying bias, decisions will continue to be made based on assumptions and beliefs rather than actual facts and data.

Being Honest About Bias

The first step in making any personal change is to recognize the issue exists. Everyone has unconscious bias, and accepting that fact and focusing on when it impacts our thoughts and decision-making is the first step.

When thinking negative or positive thoughts about a person that are not based on facts and direct observations, stop and ask yourself, “Why do I believe this to be true?” The same question is great when you find yourself making an assumption about anything. Assumptions are typically a manifestation of unconscious biases.

By stopping and thinking about your thinking, you can become aware of an unconscious bias. Taking the time to learn about the individual on a personal level, to get more information, and become more attuned to the way unconscious biases are creating positive or negative beliefs around people, are all effective ways to acknowledge and address unconscious bias in both personal interactions as well as in the workplace.

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Cindy Stradling

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Our Clients Say

We have had the pleasure of working with Cindy Stradling to source several top notch consultants to assist us with the design and delivery of a variety of Learning and Development and HR Programs. This this successful collaboration we have truly appreciated Cindy's very high standards for members of her network, the drive and energy she brings to her work and most importantly her strong commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of her clients.

Deborah A. Fillippe, CHRL VP Human Resources Kenaidan Contracting Ltd.

Cindy has been a terrific resource to Metro! She met with us to clearly understand our needs then provided us with a shortlist of top-quality trainers for us to meet. The whole process was simple and seamless, and it saved us a lot of time in sourcing companies with specific skill sets. She's a pleasure to work with.

Gary Grant, CHRL Director, Talent Management and Training Metro Inc.

Cindy provides a very progressive and engaging training environment. We have seen her successfully provide solutions to companies and individuals from all sectors, from the sophisticated to entry level. The integrity she applies to all aspects of her business is beyond reproach.

Al Diggins President and GM Excellence Manufacturing Consortium

Cindy has been engaged by Express Scripts Canada to provide Presentation Skills training to our management team. Cindy's expertise in this area has been invaluable in supporting our leaders with their leadership development in their presentation styles.

Anthea Gomez Director, Human Resources & Corporate Services Express Scripts Canada

Cindy is the epitome of positive energy! I didn't just work with Cindy at Duplium; I continue to keep in touch with Cindy because she is a wealth of knowledge and always a delight to catch up with. If you need something or someone, just ask her, she will get it done! She embodies the unique combinations of integrity, commitment and resourcefulness. Thank you Cindy for all the times you gave me just what I needed!

Susan Orenbach Senior Human Resources Professional

We engaged Cindy to help us develop a leadership training program and provide our management with one on one coaching. Cindy's professionalism, ability to understand our challenges and develop an innovative, cost effective training program in a timely manner was truly impressive. I recommend and welcome the opportunity to work with Cindy.

Marina Lichtenberg National Manager, Talent Acquisition Canon Canada - "Your gateway to a dynamic career with Canon"

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