Unlocking Leadership Potential: The Power of Unconscious Bias Training for Managers

We are wired to make quick and easy decisions – mainly because it’s so energy efficient. Did you know that for the average adult, our brains constantly use around 20% of our metabolic energy? (I’m getting tired thinking about this!) In today’s complex and diverse workplaces, quick and easy decisions aren’t always the best decisions though. Managerial decisions have major implications for teams such as hiring and compensation. Unconscious bias, also known as implicit bias, refers to the cognitive short-cuts that we use to save energy and make sense of the complex world around us. These biases are often deeply ingrained and can influence our decisions and actions without us even realizing it.

Consider Alexi, a manager at a marketing firm, who prides herself on being fair and objective. She has two employees, Jordan and Priya, who are both up for a promotion. Jordan has been outgoing and often speaks up in meetings, while Priya is quieter but consistently delivers high-quality work. During performance reviews, Alexi found herself leaning toward promoting Jordan. She couldn’t quite explain why — he just “seemed like a leader.”

I have heard similar answers from managers deferring to a “gut” feel or instinct to make important personnel decisions. What is behind this decision though? Can we justify it and is it a fair decision? If managers are not mindful, they will default to quick and easy decision-making that is influenced by unconscious biases. In this case, Alexi is influenced by gender bias. Instead of looking at the actual performance metrics that show Priya has not only exceeded her targets but also played a crucial role in developing successful marking campaigns, Alexi is unconsciously associating leadership potential with traditionally masculine traits, such as assertiveness and visibility, rather than actual performance. Leadership comes in all different forms!

Why is it important for managers to learn about unconscious bias?

It’s important to learn about biases because they can directly affect workplace decisions, team performance, and overall organizational culture. Here’s why:

• Enhance Decision-Making: Biases can lead to poor decision-making. Recognizing these biases ensures that decisions are based on merit, not personal preferences. Understanding and mitigating these biases helps managers make more informed and objective decisions, benefiting the organization as a whole.
• Improve Team Performance: Diverse teams bring a wealth of perspectives and ideas, leading to innovation and better problem-solving. By addressing unconscious biases, managers can foster an inclusive environment where all team members feel valued and can contribute their best.
• Strengthen Organizational Culture: A culture that values diversity and inclusion is more likely to attract and retain top talent, especially as Canada is such a diverse nation, home to individuals from various cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Managers who are aware of their biases can help build a positive and inclusive organizational culture.
• Reduce Legal and Reputational Risks: Biassed decision-making can lead to discrimination complaints, legal challenges, and damage to a company’s reputation. Training managers on unconscious bias helps them make fairer decisions, reducing the risk of workplace conflicts and legal trouble.

Why Take McMaster’s Courses on Unconscious Bias?

To effectively address unconscious bias, a great first step is training and education. Managers should consider taking courses that provide the necessary knowledge and tools to understand and mitigate bias in their decision-making. McMaster Continuing Education offers two such courses:

1. ESS 805 – Unconscious Bias: How We Make Decisions – This course introduces the concept of unconscious bias and explores how our experiences and identity factors influence our decisions. It provides strategies to challenge assumptions, improve policies, and create an inclusive workplace. By taking this course, managers will gain a deeper understanding of how biases impact their leadership and learn practical ways to mitigate these effects.
2. ESS 908 – Unconscious Bias: Moving from Bystander to Advocate: Building on the foundation of ESS 805, this course focuses on moving from awareness to advocacy. It encourages managers to actively address biases and promote inclusivity within their teams and organizations. Participants will learn to identify and improve policies and practices, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Let’s say our manager Alexi took the ESS 805 course. She would learn about the types of bias commonly experienced in the workplace and gain insight into how it impacts her leadership. She becomes aware and implements strategies to mitigate bias in her decision-making. She has even implemented a structured evaluation system to ensure fairness in future promotion decisions.

Taking proactive steps like these to understand and mitigate unconscious bias is essential for building strong workplace cultures. McMaster’s courses provide valuable insights and practical strategies that can help managers lead more effectively and foster a positive organizational culture.

About the Author

Christine Costa is a seasoned Human Resources professional and Organizational Development consultant with nearly 25 years of experience across various industries, including financial services, technology, and higher education. She holds an MBA from McMaster University and is passionate about continuous learning and development. Christine is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations by fostering inclusion, improving skills, and boosting performance. As the owner of Christine Connects, she specializes in facilitating and training professional learners on a variety of topics, helping people create meaningful connections with their teams, themselves, and their environment.

In addition to her consulting work, Christine is an instructor with McMaster Continuing Education, a part-time faculty member with Conestoga College’s Faculty of Business, and a facilitator with Mohawk College Enterprise. Christine’s approach is relationship-focused, valuing social connection and the potential of individuals. In her spare time, she enjoys making music and spending time in nature, reflecting her holistic approach to personal and professional development.

Learn more about the Essentials Programs – Learning for Professionals program by McMaster Continuing Education.