5 Steps To Deal With Bias

Working in a biassed office space can negatively affect our confidence, inspiration and usefulness. It can be unconscious bias or outright prejudice that can influence a manager or boss to unjustly treat an employee. There are various types of bias present in the workplace, such as gender bias, favouritism, cultural bias, unconscious or implicit bias etc.

Many employees with cultural differences reported facing microaggressions. Whenever employees face hostile or destructive remarks at work, or when an associate is showing an absence of compassion, it makes it extremely challenging for them to give their best. In the event that you are experiencing the same thing, look for help and gauge your choices. Issues with a biassed supervisor can be settled casually through proper communication. 

Below are the 5 steps you can take to deal with biassed superiors:-

1)Stop Being A Sitting Duck

You are frozen. You are stuck in this situation and you don't know what to do. It is common to feel overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid. The first step to bringing about a change is to be that change. Take initiative. Take charge of your own life. By being a sitting duck you are easy to attack, cheat, or take advantage of. Do not let them. 

2) Understand Your Enemies Weakness And Attack

This step is not to physically hurt someone but to know the kind of person you are dealing with. In a workplace you might feel your superiors or your acquaintances know more than you, it might create an inferiority complex. You must avoid this. It is important to know the people around you are human. They all have weaknesses. Even your superiors aren’t exempt from it. When you finally understand your enemyi.e. the people you mistreat and their weakness you. It will be easier for you to approach them. They will look less indisputable.    

3)Work On Your Strengths And Deliver Through Them 

To win you must play by your strengths. You not only have to understand the person on the opposite side of an argument but also yourself. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Compile a list of skills and talents you bring to the table in your workplace. It is crucial to know your plus points and where you stand to know where you need to go. 

4)Be Unpredictable

 Do the unexpected. If the person you are standing up against already knows your moves and counterpoints then you have lost half the battle. You have to be unpredictable in your journey towards beating the bias you have been facing. By being unpredictable, you can catch the unjust person by surprise and trap them before they can make a move to escape or avoid confrontation. 

5) Win without fighting

It is crucial that you solve this problem i.e. a biased work environment through proper communication. Do not be impulsive or crass. Be professional and crystal clear about the obstacles you have been facing at work. Mention how the bias has negatively impacted your work. While doing this, avoid any physical confrontation. It is important for you to win without fighting and maintain a sense of dignity. 

You can't always change individuals' biases but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try. An inclusive workspace without microaggression and biases gives a place of refuge to all individuals of various  gender orientation, race, or sexuality. 

When we incorporate all voices and foundations at the table, we get more diverse and creative inputs that better serve our clients. Always strive for a better work environment and safety. If you are still struggling to confront your colleagues and superiors regarding their biases feel free to contact. I along with my fellow friends at Iron lady are always there to help you.