Development:
Unconscious Bias
Unconscious Bias is a hour-and-half long workshop that I developed and facilitate to educate participants on the effects of negative bias in the workplace.
The workshop covers 5 topics: Experiencing Bias, Looking internally at our biases, understanding the science behind bias, challenging our unconscious bias, and finally interrupting bias. Although the workshop is originally developed for companies and the workplace, the workshop has also been adapted to communities and for religious organizations.
Clients
Freudenberg, CareFree Medical, YellowRose Imaging, MPC Logistics, and more
The workshop has been facilitated more than 50 times in 2023 alone, at offices spanning the United States. Companies in New Hampshire, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Texas, Florida, California and more. Also in 2023, 15 virtual sessions of this workshop were facilitated for companies across the globe including Germany, UK, France, India, China, Japan.
Deliverables
1 and a half hour long workshop
Digital copy of slideshow
Printed workbook of activities
Post-workshop Discussion Slides
Each company and team received a copy of the presentation, and each participant receives a printed workbook that includes key takeaways of the workshop and the activities. Each manager also receives a copy of the “Post Workshop Discussion Slides”, which empowers them to continue having conversations inspired by the workshop. Simply copy one of the 12 expertly crafted slides and fully detailed notes into a presentation for team meetings, town halls, or even 1×1 to continue building on top of the workshop.
SKILLS UTILIZED
Needs Analysis
Employee Engagement
Instructional Design
Adult Learning
Topic Research
Communication
Adaptability and Scaling
Cultural Understanding
Creating an instructor-led workshop on Unconscious Bias demands a skill set that navigates both the complexities of the topic and the dynamics of group learning. First and foremost, a deep understanding of Unconscious Bias and its implications is crucial, ensuring accurate and informed content delivery. Skillful instructional design, rooted in Adult Learning Principles, is essential to structure the workshop for engagement, incorporating interactive elements, case studies, and real-world scenarios. Facilitation skills play a pivotal role, requiring the ability to manage group dynamics, foster open discussions, and address sensitive topics with empathy and inclusivity. Proficiency in communication is key to articulating complex concepts clearly, while effective use of visual aids, multimedia, and activities enhances participant understanding. Finally, continuous learning and adaptability are paramount, allowing the instructor to stay current with evolving research and societal nuances related to unconscious bias, fostering an environment of openness, reflection, and growth within the workshop participants.
Overview
In today’s interconnected and diverse world, an unconscious bias workshop is critical on a global scale as it addresses pervasive societal issues and fosters inclusive environments within organizations. Unconscious biases, rooted in cultural, social, and historical influences, can perpetuate systemic inequalities and hinder diversity and inclusion efforts. A workshop on unconscious bias serves as a catalyst for heightened awareness, promoting a more equitable workplace and society. By engaging participants in candid conversations and interactive exercises, such workshops provide a platform for individuals to recognize and confront their biases, fostering a collective commitment to challenging and overcoming systemic discrimination. The global significance lies in the workshop’s potential to reshape perspectives, dismantle stereotypes, and promote cultural understanding, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious and inclusive global community.
Throughout the development and facilitation of unconscious bias workshops, valuable lessons emerge. Firstly, it becomes apparent that customization is key to effectively resonate with diverse audiences globally. The content needs to be tailored to address region-specific biases, cultural nuances, and contextual sensitivities. Secondly, fostering a safe and open space for dialogue is crucial. Creating an atmosphere where participants feel comfortable sharing their experiences and perspectives enables more meaningful discussions and a deeper understanding of the impact of biases. Additionally, continuous evaluation and adaptation of workshop materials based on participant feedback and evolving societal dynamics are essential for maintaining relevance and impact. Lastly, the success of such workshops is contingent upon skilled facilitation, requiring facilitators to possess cultural competence, empathy, and the ability to navigate challenging conversations with sensitivity.
Key Elements
Developing and facilitating an Unconscious Bias workshop has been challenging yet rewarding. One major element in the developing process was to first look internally and understand where are my own biases and what do I need to do in order manage them more effectively. I also had to think back to instances in which I experienced negative bias, in the world and in the workplace. Making sure I am comfortable enough to talk about my own experiences means I first had to make sure I was emotionally and mentally healed from any negative experiences to be able to discuss them openly with my participants.
In my research I had to be sure that the biases that are covered in the workshop are those that truly impact the people and the companies I am facilitating to. Depending on the region, I narrowed the biases down to 6 that were the most frequent in the workplace. These include Affinity bias, Confirmation bias, Conformity bias, Gender Bias, the Halo/Horns effect, and Body-shaming/Ableism.
Facilitating this workshop for different regions around the United States and Globally, I had to be sure to research and include dynamic yet precise examples so that the stories shared in the workshop are able to make that emotional connection with the participants and leave a long-lasting impression.
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