Self-Assessment Thoughts

This exercise provides a chance for you to notice what may be clues to your own biases.

Did you have some for which you couldn't think of anything? Good for you!

The harder it was for you to think of a characteristic for a group, the less likely it is that you hold a bias about that group. We often are reluctant to admit that we have biases because we think that it means we are not nice people. Having a bias does not mean you are a bad person. You just may want to examine the source of that bias.

Think about different groups of people and register how emotional your response is to each group. The more emotion, the more likely the belief is a bias. When we put too much emphasis on the ways a person is different, we are more likely to be biased against that person. As we become aware of our own biases, we can consciously try to correct them. Continuing to develop your awareness will allow you to value diversity in your relationships.

Further, as you become more conscientious about perceived biases, remember that in the current, increasingly diverse workforce, employers want to hire and promote individuals who are not only skilled and experienced, but those who can get along and work well with people.