Our biases are the colored lens that we view the world through. Everyone has them whether they know it or not, and it is important that we be aware of them and have ways to overcome those ‘gut reactions.’ Harvard Business Review reports, we tend to make complex decisions simpler with heuristics, or our mental ‘rule of thumb.’ These small shortcuts can prompt us to make decisions and judgements based on our unconscious biases.
Two forms of biases commonly seen displayed in the workplace are confirmation bias and groupthink. Our judgements and decisions are impacted by these biases, and it can be difficult to identify them when employees and managers are physically distant from one another. Here are three ways both managers and employees can alleviate each of these biases.
Confirmation Bias:
- Gather all the facts: When all members of the team are well-informed, there is less room for individuals to rely on their own judgements.
- Appoint a devil’s advocate: By offering a contradictory view, it challenges the group to reflect and improve their ideas in the workplace.
- Listen to everyone’s opinions: Giving everyone the chance to offer their perspective creates an equitable work environment.
Groupthink:
- Form small, heterogeneous groups: With more intimate, diverse groups, it allows for members to share their ideas with detail and in an unbiased setting.
- Create a safe space for idea sharing: Fostering an environment that encourages the formation of new ideas will allow all members’ ideas to be heard and help members circumvent one-sided biases.
- Encourage dialogue of all ideas: Talking in depth through ideas as a group can promote new perspectives and avoid partiality in final decision making.
By recognizing these biases, individuals will be able to use these tactics to reduce them when encountered virtually. Knowing a few ways to reduce these biases can greatly improve a company’s performance, productivity, and profit in the long-run.
As a manager, one way to recognize the biases that we may hold is through reflection, which can teach managers more about themselves and others. To become more self-aware of our personal biases at work is simple through our Virtual Management Master Class. Managers are able to reflect on their attitudes, values, and beliefs, while addressing organizational biases produced due to working remotely. Also, soliciting feedback from others can reveal areas of growth and reduce ‘rule of thumb’ judgements to situations that occur while working virtually.
When working in a remote environment, managers and employees can be influenced by their biases. Specifically, in a remote workplace environment, it is important to recognize the possible biases we hold and overcome the effects of them. Minetum’s Virtual Management Master Class offers managers the right tools to improve their approach with virtual and in-person coaching. During a three month program, managers learn tactics and strategies that will assist them in addressing issues of bias at work. Minetum will guide managers through a simple three step program, which is tailored to each business uniquely and includes ongoing feedback.
For more information, contact us at info@minetum.com to gain a new perspective on managing biases in a virtual setting.
Professional Coaching I Personal Development 