How can you avoid personal bias when making recommendations?

One cannot avoid personal biases but being aware of the fact that we all have our personals biases is the first step. This leads to minimizing the biases which is good. As far as possible the decisions should be fact based and at the same time the context should not be ignored. I have found out that being non judgemental is one important factor in reducing personal biases. Observing situation from different perspectives and also taking feedback from those who don't have any ulterior motive also helps.

One way to avoid implicit bias is to rely upon your memory. As we enter agreements of business, we always want to compliment each other. As we are on a race to build computers that think like humans, we should never forget how important short term memory is within our interactions with each other. We can always learn from each other, in the same way AI is learning faster than Einstein. Computer RAM provides the shorter-term memory the CPU needs to open files and move data around as it responds to the tasks given. Both RAM and the CPU work synchronously and compliment one another, to ensure that your computer's performance fits your needs.If computers have the ability to compliment one another, as humans, we should be able to do the same.

I believe that the consultants should be independent of any bias. Though many regulations governing consulting services do not require the consultant to be independent. But the crux of consulting can only come out if the consultant is independent. This helps the consultant to view things with a blank slate mindset, as he progresses in his assignment, he starts developing an opinion that helps their client to have meaningful recommendations.

Start with what the requirements are for the position for which you're recommending someone. Write those requirements down. Then look at the experience of the person whom you're recommending. Do the requirements match with the person's experiences?

Avoiding personal bias is tough but as consultants we are exposed to situations through the work we do to have bias all the time. one idea is to journal regularly in regards to situations that trigger a lot of emotion. Journal disputing logically and accurately your beliefs around what is triggering such an emotion. Another idea is to genuinely be curious. We ask questions to hear their answers not ours.

It's always recommended to read all the necessary and authentic sources for developing a strong perspective. For this, a holistic understanding has to be set through constantly updating ourselves with the new work and research models coming to the market. It is also beneficial to get in touch with experts in the industry to understand their approach and way of deriving solutions in the market.

Para evitar o viés, é crucial considerar diversas perspectivas. Isso significa conduzir pesquisas abrangentes, usar fontes variadas, consultar especialistas, colaborar com colegas e fazer perguntas críticas. Ao explorar explicações alternativas, prós, contras, riscos e incertezas, você amplia sua compreensão e evita decisões baseadas em visões limitadas. A diversidade de pontos de vista enriquece sua análise e fortalece a tomada de decisões informadas.

After studying the source documents and the information available with the consultant, he/ she forms an opinion. However, before releasing the report, it is essential to have a chat with peers, people in the industry, and other references about the general condition of the market. He should not reveal the confidential information. But shall discuss his perspective about the industry so that if he has misunderstood any situation, he can correct it before sharing the details. Giving accurate solutions is more important than sharing solutions in a short span of time!

Diverse perspectives on a matter can only come from diverse reading. Reading provides the insight which lays the foundation for building up the edifice by interacting with the consultants, the stakeholders and the peers. When one has done his homework through reading, it puts oneself on a pedestal one nautch above. Reading helps in having a clarity about the pros and cons of the matter. Reading facilitates acquiring of knowledge arising out of research undertaken.

Remember that opinions are just that …opinions. They stem from each individual’s experience, thought process, wants, up bringing etc. When making suggestions it’s important to remain subjective/ unbiased. Being rigid and thinking “ it’s your way or the highway “ will only lead you to disappointment and resentment. A mature head understands that methods may differ but what matters most is the outcome. You don’t have to change your way of thinking or your beliefs but respect other’s point of view. You will avoid redundant conflicts and speed bumps in your journey.

Always approach with a clear mind. Always think logically not emotionally. In the workplace most people are just trying to get their work done. Focus on the work less so on the person.

When thinking about critical thinking, I think the most critical thing (see what I did there) is to withhold judgement. It's so easy to come up with a plan, discover it isn't perfect, and then try to convince yourself it's ok because it's too hard to go back and evaluate other alternatives. Do your options identification, to identify a good suite of available solutions. Don't be tempted to consider which one you think is best, just come up with as many choices as possible. Develop criteria to assess each option, rather than just going with your gut feel. Be prepared to look again at your options, if your preferred one turns out to be not as good as you first anticipated it would. Withhold your judgement. Keep your options open.

Applying critical thinking is the way to go, evaluate information objectively, logically, and rigorously ask questions, examine evidence, identify gaps, and draw a conclusion

Critical thinking is the basic requirement that the consultant should possess. A questioning mind is something that helps the consultant to acquire information from his client and his/her associates. One should not accept things on face value but ask relevant questions. He should analyse and classify information using Pareto Analysis and recommend solutions for growth.

Aqui estão algumas dicas práticas sobre como aplicar o pensamento crítico em suas análises e recomendações, contribuindo para evitar viés pessoal: faça perguntas chave; teste hipóteses; examine evidências; identifique lacunas; utilize ferramentas analíticas; solicite feedback externo; reflita sobre seu processo; esteja aberto a revisões. Ao incorporar essas práticas, você fortalece sua capacidade de análise crítica, tornando suas recomendações mais sólidas e menos propensas a vieses pessoais.

Transparent communication should be at the foundation of any work process based on honesty and mutual success (excluding specific dynamics like negotiation...). Ultimately, it all boils down to whether one trusts a person or not, much like any relationship, and whether one believes a recommendation is for its own benefit or not.

Sugar coating is good but it’s dangerous in long run, be it personal life or professional life. When you have been consulted for advice, you cannot share a goody picture if the things don’t look that good. If things are going south, you need to communicate the same at the earliest. A transparent communication is important, and even more important when things are not going as expected. This can help the management to take corrective actions at the earliest.

Absolutely agree Luca Matola. Transparent communication is not just a tool but a foundational element in building trust and ensuring mutual success in any professional environment. It’s interesting to see the parallel drawn between professional and personal relationships, underscoring trust as a crucial factor. In both spheres, the perception of whether advice or recommendations are self-serving or genuinely for mutual benefit can significantly influence the dynamics of the relationship. Open and honest dialogue is essential to navigate these complex interactions effectively.

I couldn’t agree more. Consulting requires that we be transparent, professional and ethical in communicating clearly the basis for our rationalizations, recommendations and decision making. Also, as the saying often goes, data don’t lie. Guarding against vague ideologies and leaning more towards expertise, skills and experience for getting our hands in the murky muds of data gathering, verification, analysis and presentation for joint considerations and decision making. Incorporating processes (if time permits) that allows for operational transparency and performance visibility also guards heavily against biases, subjective opinion forming and decision making.

There is a risk of overcorrecting recommendations in response to new data or feedback, especially if the feedback is anecdotal or not representative of the broader impact. This could lead to instability in strategy and confusion among stakeholders. And potentially - the loss of a client. Instead, Involve the client in the decision-making process throughout. Their insights can be invaluable in understanding the broader implications of potential adjustments.

I'm not sure that you can 100% overcome personal bias when making recommendations; after all, people come to you for your point of view. But the point is to make sure that personal bias isn't the only factor, but you have taken into account other sources before making the recommendation.

Great recommendations in this article 😊 I would go further in diving into where your biases come from, reflect on past experiences, what happened, how did it make you feel? Why did it make you feel that way? How is it going against your values? Against your beliefs? Why do you think this experience shapes the way you see a situation/ individual? Once you understand your biases you are more inclined to build awareness around them and know when they kick in. What I tend to do when I catch myself having a bias I pause, I observe the situation in which I am in, consciously acknowledge the bias and objectively respond leaving my bias behind. With time it gets better and easier but as always the first step is to be self-aware 😊

We tend to like things that confirm what we believe, and we reject things that go against what we side with or believe are true. I find these four tips will help avoid triggering an unconscious bias: 1. Practice awareness of how you make decisions and sift through your process to check for biases 2. Pay particular attention to your choices when you are feeling tired, rushed or stressed, as these situations tend to activate our biases. 3. Allow time to reflect and consider before confirming an important decision like hiring a candidate, choosing a contractor or passing a policy 4. Involve others in the decision-making process to get diverse viewpoints

When consulting with expected outcomes, having a preferred solution (recommendation) matrix will prevent any form of bias (whether Systems, Procedural, Human, Technological, or Other) from entering the engagement. The preferred solution matrix should contain the rationale for its selection, its pros and cons, its ability to close the requirement, and its projected ROI or Cost of Implementation and Support. The Matrix should be updated as new requirements are identified or if existing recommendations are found to be inoperable. This is not a simple matrix due to the research required and the IP contained within successful closures and improvements.

In my experience, focusing on the needs of the individual (client) & tailoring recommendations to the specific needs and preferences of the person you are assisting, rather than imposing your own preferences. Taking into account their unique circumstances, goals, and preferences. It requires understanding that what works for one person may not work for another. To effectively tailor recommendations, it's important to actively listen and engage with the person you are assisting. Ask open-ended questions to gather information about their preferences, limitations, and desired outcomes. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of their needs and enable you to provide more relevant and personalized recommendations.

Busque sempre fundamentar as recomendações em boas práticas, tal fator desempenha um papel crucial na mitigação de vieses. Ao adotar uma abordagem baseada em boas práticas e práticas analíticas sólidas, a consultoria se beneficia de uma fundamentação robusta e de uma maior imunidade contra vieses pessoais. Essa abordagem técnica e estratégica contribui para a entrega de recomendações mais eficazes e alinhadas com as expectativas e desafios específicos do cliente.