Jun 22, 2020 | People

No matter who we are or where we come from, our assumptions and beliefs are shaped by our experiences, our upbringing, our race, our gender, religion, culture. Those beliefs help us navigate and make sense of everyday life. But they can also mean that we believe that there is no difference between our perceptions and reality. For leaders, that means we must continuously question our assumptions and value the voices of people who are not like us to help us assess reality correctly. That requires creating a culture that is not only more diverse, but more importantly, more inclusive, so that our employees are encouraged to express their ideas and share their insights.

Here are five resources we recommend to help you develop a more diverse and inclusive culture.

 

1. Inclusion: Diversity, the New Workplace & the Will to Change by Jennifer Brown

What it’s about: A roadmap for anyone seeking to understand the objective reality of what diversity and inclusion mean, why it matters, and how to make it part of your organization’s DNA.

Why pick it up: To learn about how to build systems that embrace diversity in all its forms, from identity and background to diversity of thought, style, approach, and experience, that tie directly to the bottom line.

 

 

 

2. Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald

What it’s about: I know my own mind. I am able to assess others in a fair and accurate way. These self-perceptions are challenged by leading psychologists Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald as they explore the hidden biases we all carry from a lifetime of exposure to cultural attitudes about age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, social class, sexuality, disability status, and nationality.

Why pick it up: To reveal how our unconscious minds influence our beliefs and behaviors, and remind us to think twice about our instinctive reactions.

 

 

3. Is It Possible to Unravel Unconscious Bias? TEDTalk by Yassmin Abdel-Magied

What it’s about and why watch it: Abdel-Magied is an engineer, motorsport enthusiast, writer, broadcaster, boxer, and black Muslim woman. Her TEDTalk makes the case for how, if we want to live in a world where the circumstances of your birth do not dictate your future and where equal opportunity is ubiquitous, each and every one of us has a role to play in making sure unconscious bias does not determine our lives.

 

 

4. Can We Solve for Unconscious Bias in Tech? TEDTalk by Andreas Ekström

What it’s about and why watch it: We think of search engines as unbiased sources of information. But they’re not—and they can be manipulated. Andreas Ekström asks: who should hold the burden of addressing bias in search engines?

 

 

 

5. How Does Bias Affect the Way We Listen? TEDTalk by Tony Salvador

What it’s about and why watch it: We have to start every conversation fresh. We have to be vulnerable. We have to listen to ideas that we may not like and entertain them and struggle with them and keep them in our heads for a period of time until we develop a mutual understanding.

Bottom line. To lead effectively today, you need to constantly recalibrate your ability to assess reality correctly. Exercise your diversity and inclusion muscles by building your library of resources that challenge your perception of reality as a human being and as a leader.

Question: What resources do you use to challenge your perception of reality? 

Driven by the premise that excellence is the result of aligning people, purpose and performance, Center for Executive Excellence facilitates training in leading self, leading teams and leading organizations. To learn more, subscribe to receive CEE News

Archives

Categories

Related Posts

Navigating Budget Season During Uncertain Times: 5 Questions Budget Managers Should Ask

Navigating Budget Season During Uncertain Times: 5 Questions Budget Managers Should Ask

It’s budget season for organizations on a calendar-based fiscal year. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or first-time budget manager, submitting a budget for approval during times of economic uncertainty can be a confidence shaker. Being a budget manager isn’t just about creating a wish list and bracing for a 30% cut. It’s about being a strategic thinker and a persuasive communicator. These five questions will help you win the hearts of senior leaders and get your budget approved, even when times are fiscally fickle.

read more
5 TED Talks for Leaders Who are Lifelong Learners

5 TED Talks for Leaders Who are Lifelong Learners

I’m kicking off August a two-week vacation in Amsterdam, a city that effortlessly merges history with innovation, art with technology, and tradition with progress. As I wander through picturesque canals and vibrant streets, I find myself reflecting on the importance of lifelong learning, especially for leaders. In this fast-paced world, where the boundaries of knowledge are constantly expanding, it is essential for leaders to stay curious, adaptable, and open-minded. That’s why I’ve curated a collection of five captivating TED Talks that provide insights and inspiration to fuel our growth. I invite you to join me on this virtual journey of discovery and self-improvement.

read more
From Awareness to Traction: Transforming Organizations Through DEI

From Awareness to Traction: Transforming Organizations Through DEI

The murder of George Floyd in May of 2020 served as a catalyst for organizations worldwide to confront systemic racism and address the lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within their ranks. In the three-plus years since, some of our clients have made real breakthroughs in DEI, while others have fallen victim to their own performative attempts to make changes. Here are five ways we’ve observed leaders move beyond symbolic gestures to gain real traction and create truly inclusive, more powerful workplaces.

read more

LET’S GET CONNECTED

 

Preferred method of contact:

*Required fields. By submitting this form you agree to receive emails from Center for Executive Excellence and can unsubscribe at any time.

Share This