Set Checks And Balances

FranklinCovey Content Team

We all have unconscious bias due to how we were raised and the environments in which we live. If you are concerned that your unconscious bias could be affecting your work, set checks and balances to help keep your bias from getting in the way.

Sometimes the best way to take bias out of the equation is to shield yourself from, well, yourself. Here are two common situations where limiting information and choices can help:

Hiring. Candidate names can cue biases related to gender, race, nationality, and more, without our even realizing it. Ask HR to replace the names on top of resumes with initials or an identification number-or do it yourself for the rest of your interview team. You can also find apps that will help you hide certain information on job applications. Consider Removing names for sample projects, too.

Delegation. Let's say you need a direct report to do something tedious, like take notes in team meetings. Rather than directly assigning it or waiting for someone to sheepishly volunteer (both of which might disproportionately place women in these mop-up duties), institute a rotating policy.

Download our guide, Manage Your Biases to Better Manage Your Team, to learn some strategies for identifying your biases as a leader and what you can do to manage them.

Utilize Randomization Procedures

Sometimes the best way to take bias out of the equation is to shield yourself from, well, yourself.

See People as They See Themselves

When setting your expectations and feedback approach for direct reports, rely less on how you see them — an...

Manage Your Biases To Better Manage Your Team

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Set Checks And Balances

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