What is Bias?

Leaders make decisions that change lives. From hiring, promoting, and dismissing employees to investing funds, betting on new ideas, and deciding on the future of the organization, leaders decide who adds and who takes away value for the organization. Unfortunately, bias against an individual‚It’s race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, age, and other social identities can cause a leader to unintentionally come to faulty conclusions about an individual. Unchecked bias among leadership can result in failing to fully leverage talent, being too slow to notice new trends, and miscalculating risk. While overcoming bias has always been a challenge, it has become a necessary leadership skill in today’s world. The globalization and diversification of the workforce, coupled with the increased social demand for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion has made understanding bias critical for anyone with leadership aspirations or responsibilities.