You think you are above bias? You believe you treat others with the respect and acceptance they deserve? Why should you care about diversity and inclusion in your workplace when the problem isn't you?

Your unconscious bias is showing. . .

Your belief about yourself is always inaccurate. That's why we call it unconscious. You're committment to diversity, equity and inclsuion is not enough to unearth the patterns of thinking and feeling you've been wired with. Your humility is the best defence in silencing your bias and your genuine apology when others tell you its showing is your only option. 

It's been proven that we work better when we value and leverage each other's differences. Many of us have been raised to believe that what is different about us separates us but, the truth is our differences are our greatest asset. No matter what environment you work in, your organization is stronger when it is more diverse. Staff retention is higher on a diverse team, communication is better in a diverse team. Diversity increases productivity, creates a respectful workplace and helps in our responsiveness to global markets.

If you want to be a part of the next generation of leaders you must care about diversity and inclusion. If you want to be an earnest not arrogant leader, you must take the time to recognize your own biases, lay down your defense mechanisms and learn what you didn't already know. 

I've had to slow my actions, think far more before I speak and practice earnest apologies not coupled with excuses or defenses. 

Let us all take note that there is much to learn and know about how our conscious and unconscious biases affect others. AND, the journey to improvement is painful. It's going to hurt you and you're going to hate it. BUT, your character and integrity will help you through. And if you don't have either of those, you shouldn't be in the workplace anyway.

Continuing to challenge myself,

Amber (aka The Feisty PM)