Understanding and Challenging Stereotypes
“We must reject not only the stereotypes that others
have of us but also those that we have of ourselves.”
- Shirley Chisholm
I talk a lot about stereotypes and biases in my trainings both live and on-demand. What are stereotypes? Stereotypes are preconceived and oversimplified ideas about groups of people. In the workplace, stereotypes are harmful, creating an environment where certain individuals are discriminated against or excluded. So how do we recognize and challenge stereotypes in order to create a more inclusive and understanding workplace? Here are my three pieces of advice.
1. Be aware of your own biases. We all have biases, whether we realize it or not. Take the time to reflect on your own beliefs and attitudes, and work to address any biases you may have. Question your assumptions about people from different backgrounds. Ask yourself why you believe what you do and whether your beliefs are based on evidence or on prejudice.
2. Engage in counter-stereotyping. We all have pre-conceptions of groups, every one of us. Once you are aware of your biases, engage in counter-stereotyping. What are the stories you know of groups and individuals that run counter to those biases? What are the stories you don’t know yet? And when you are surprised by who people really are, ask yourself - why were you surprised?
3. Reflect on who you’re surrounding yourself with. Continue to intentionally invest in relationships with people of different backgrounds and experiences. Attend events, join groups, and make an effort to broaden your social and career circles. As I say in the article below, look at yourself through the eyes of a child - what would they see when they look at your social groupings?
Remember, overcoming stereotypes is an ongoing process that requires effort, self-reflection, and a commitment to learning and growth. By taking these steps, we can work towards more inclusive and understanding workplaces. Check out my video for more.
Do the work
This week, I commit to speak up when I hear or witness someone using stereotypes in the workplace and I will encourage others to think critically and challenge their own biases and assumptions.
Spread the word
If you want to keep going
Think Twice: Real World
Scenarios for Unconscious Bias
A colleague doesn't drink for religious reasons - but all her workplace events revolve around alcohol. A father returning from parental leave feels excluded from his workplace. A company's golf event has traditionally been exclusionary and traditionally been very successful but the calls to cancel it are getting louder and louder. You're asked to solve these situations. What would you do? In this program, I’ll lead you through an exploration of the many different types of bias that exist in the workplace, how they lead to exclusion, and my framework for interrupting bias problems.
