"Bias-Free Leadership: Your Competitive Advantage"

What Sondra Says About "Bias-Free Leadership: Your Competitive Advantage"

“Have you ever heard that biases – especially the unconscious variety – can’t be defeated? ‘All we can do,’ some have said, ‘is learn to work around them.’ Yes, of course, there are biases and stereotypes so deeply rooted that it would take a jackhammer to dislodge them, but others, if attacked with the right weapons, are easily defeated. Providing those weapons is what this presentation is all about.” S.B.T.

Target Audience: Those who hold – or strive to hold – a position of leadership.

Format: This topic is available as either a keynote/general session talk, break-out session, or half-day workshop. The primary difference between the three is the amount of detail and audience participation.

Note: This presentation differs from “Becoming Bias Free” in that it is targeted to those who currently hold or strive to hold a people management position. The tools provided for bias reduction are identical in both presentations.

Program Benefits:

• Improved decision-making skills and, therefore, better business results
• Reduced number of incidents of "leakage" or micro-inequities that interfere with creating a truly inclusive workplace.
• Improved ability to effectively motivate and meet the needs of individuals of all backgrounds
• Improved ability to model bias-free attitudes and behaviors for other members of the organization and, thereby, encourage a diversity-friendly work environment
• Increased opportunities for innovative and creative thinking as team members feel more comfortable and, therefore, more willing to contribute.
• Reduced risk of career damage due to poor decisions resulting from biased attitudes

Client Description: (This description is designed to aid the client in his or her decision-making process. Specific content may vary according to client needs and/or the development of new material.)

One trait possessed by every successful leader is the ability to create a truly inclusive workplace in which every member of the team has the opportunity to contribute to the best of his or her ability. Most of us would find this task fairly easy were it not for the distortion caused by the conscios and unconscious biases afflict all but the most enlightened among us.

This practical and engaging program focuses on how conscious and unconscious bias interferes with the decision-making process and demonstrates how to minimize the impact of bias on our ability to lead effectively. Intended to inform and motivate while providing immediately applicable tools, the presentation includes:

• Introductory material designed to diffuse participant discomfort and resistance.
• Specific examples of how bias impacts our ability to lead effectively.
• Skills for accurately identifying bias in oneself and others.
• Tools for achieving “bias mindfulness” and, thereby, targeting one’s biases for extinction.
• Cognitive skills for weakening the foundation of bias.
• Skills for reducing bias by engaging in counter-bias behaviors (“Fake It Till You Make It”)
• Strategies for reducing bias through the expansion of personal and workplace “kinship groups.”.
• Techniques for immediately applying the skills learned back in the workplace.

Promotional Description: (This description is for use in the meeting brochure or other program promotion.)

Have you ever wondered if maybe, just maybe, there are subtle biases inside your head that are distorting how you look at others? Have you ever wondered just what a “bias” is, how to identify it in yourself and others, and, most important, what, if anything, you can do about it?

Fortunately, research shows that there is, indeed, a lot we can do to minimize and, in some cases, even eliminate bias. This involving and engaging presentation provides the skills with which to accomplish this goal. Based on the Sondra Thiederman’s latest book, Making Diversity Work: Seven Steps for Defeating Bias in the Workplace , the talk uses personal anecdotes and real workplace examples to take participants through the key steps for identifying and defeating the subtle biases that can compromise the decision-making ability of even the most skilled managers.

"Bias-Free Leadership" is based on material found in Dr. Thiederman's book Making Diversity Work: Seven Steps for Reducing Bias in the Workplace.

Book Sondra to speak on "Bias-Free Leadership: Your Competitive Advantage" or on a customized talk designed to meet your specific needs.

To check on Sondra’s availability or to receive additional information including a demonstration tape and references, please contact the bureau who sent you to this site or:

Joan Pierce
Marketing Director
Cross-Cultural Communications
4585 48th Street
San Diego, CA 92115
Phone: 619-583-4478 / 800-858-4478
Fax: 619-583-0304
E-mail: STPhD@Thiederman.com