3 Steps to Recognizing Biases

It’s worth noting that everyone has biases. They can be positive and create transformative experiences for people. They can also be negative and develop based on stereotypes, a lack of knowledge and influence from others. How can one tell if they have biases? These steps below might be able to help.

First step: Recognize by asking yourself the question. Easy to type, easy to read, but not easy to do, otherwise biases would be eliminated in our society. Let’s face it, it’s uncomfortable to be vulnerable and throw yourself into the fire. It’s normal to not want to call yourself out but it’s the only way we can grow and challenge our mindset.   

Second step: Accountability. It’s easy to fall into a cycle, especially when your surroundings reflect the same behaviour. Change comes at the back of teamwork and surrounding yourself with people that will hold you to be the best version of yourself while telling you when there is an opportunity for growth.

Now you may think, these are things that can be practiced daily but how does it incorporate into a professional environment? Great question! The third step might be able to help.

Third step: Repeat steps one and two… but at work. An example - A business loan application comes across your desk; clear your mind of the biases. There are certain factors that affect an approval decision (business type, loan amount, credit history, etc.), but gender is not one.

The same approach works for accountability. Hold your colleagues accountable and ask for the same in return. Is there gender-bias training opportunities available? If not, make it happen. By changing the everyday routine, you challenge yourself to grow. This benefits you, your work environment, and your clients.

Be a part of the change. Be a leading lender.