Unconscious Bias (Presented by Consumers Energy)

(WOC Seminar 1732) Unconscious Bias (Presented by Consumers Energy)

First impressions say a lot when you meet someone. Do these impressions impact the way you interact with them? Naturally, our brains place people into larger groups or categories. These assumptions are helpful to some yet harmful to others. In business, subtle biases can become major roadblocks to fair and inclusive diversity practices. We gravitate toward certain types of people or simply forget to acknowledge others. These biases can also create challenges that may include racial and gender stereotypes that cause our contributions to be ignored or diminished. How do we become examples of fair and inclusive practices? How do we challenge our culture to move toward greater levels of awareness? This seminar will challenge your personal biases and address ways to engage in conversations and increase cultural awareness.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Define unconscious and subtle bias.
2. Identify personal biases and behaviors that support faulty cultural norms.
3. Discuss how one overcomes the practice of their unconscious bias.
4. Explore specific ways that race and gender impact achievement.
5. Discuss communication strategies to identify allies in the workforce.