The University of California, San Francisco defines unconscious bias in the following way:
“Unconscious biases are social stereotypes about certain groups of people that individuals form outside their own conscious awareness. Everyone holds unconscious beliefs about various social and identity groups, and these biases stem from one’s tendency to organize social worlds by categorizing. Unconscious bias is far more prevalent than conscious prejudice and often incompatible with one’s conscious values.”
Some observations based on this definition:
Everyone holds unconscious beliefs
Everyone tends to categorize social and identity groups
Unconscious biases often do not align with conscious values
Translation: We are all biased – and racist – even though we may not want to be.
We cannot move forward towards greater awareness, understanding and healing until we all – this means you – accept this observation as truth.
Published by JC Hurtado-Prater | Culture Strategist + HR Consultant Specializing in Org Dev & Org Design
A culture strategist + HR consultant, educator, speaker and author on leadership + culture, I am committed to helping organizations thrive while elevating human flourishing for the betterment of the local and global community.
In a practical sense, I help organizations develop empowering leaders, cultivate high-performing teams and build strong cultures through training, consulting and team coaching.
The philosophy that drives me: “Above everything… people. Every human being is filled with the potential to lead, create or innovate. Therefore, one's work is the most sacred act one can give away...and time the greatest resource to expend.”
I am on a lifetime mission to help dynamic organizations become more effective in the local and global community by helping senior and HR executives attract, recruit, retain and ignite today’s top talent.
People. First. Always.
Find out more at jcco.io.
View all posts by JC Hurtado-Prater | Culture Strategist + HR Consultant Specializing in Org Dev & Org Design
