breaking through unconscious bias, stanford bus 135

Breaking Through Unconscious Bias

Ellen Petry Leanse @chep2m

We all have it.

It can be managed. The first step is understanding. Curiosity helps us override it.

It is a practice.

(some reassurance)

Ellen Petry Leanse, @chep2m

HOW CAN WE CHANGE IT?

1. Accept the reality: we all have it.

Ellen Petry Leanse, @chep2m

“I’m a racist. Also a bigot.”— Sarah Milstein,

 innovation coach,feminist, expert on racial &

gender bias in the workplace. 

Ellen Petry Leanse, @chep2m

2. Understand its history: it helped us long ago.

Ellen Petry Leanse, @chep2m

HOW CAN WE CHANGE IT?

3. Like a lot of old, foundational code, it’s hard to rewrite.

Ellen Petry Leanse, @chep2m

HOW CAN WE CHANGE IT?

4. The first step is awareness (congrats).

Ellen Petry Leanse, @chep2m

HOW CAN WE CHANGE IT?

5. Take deliberate small steps:• Curiosity: questions over answers• Pauses• Challenge your “story”: what else

might be happening? • Invite others to do the same

HOW CAN WE CHANGE IT?

6. Mix it up: diversify.

HOW CAN WE CHANGE IT?

Ellen Petry Leanse, @chep2m

HOW CAN WE CHANGE IT?

Ellen Petry Leanse, @chep2m

HOW CAN WE CHANGE IT?

7. Be patient. Repeat.

Ellen Petry Leanse, @chep2m

HOW CAN WE CHANGE IT?