Demystifying Implicit Bias Workshop

Description

The Demystifying Implicit Bias 3-hour workshop provides participants with a clearer understanding of the nature of implicit bias. A follow-up virtual meeting on the book "Crucial Conversations" will allow participants to discuss the reading and how to apply personal and professional takeaways.

Specifically, the workshop will address the following three questions:

1. What is implicit bias?
2. Why does implicit bias matter?
3. How can implicit biases be mitigated?

Participants will be exposed to cutting-edge research, multi-media instruction, and targeted discussion. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a much better understanding of their own implicit biases and will be given strategies to detect the presence of their own biases in workplace settings.

Finally, participants will be shown strategies that can be used to address their implicit biases and minimize potential corresponding harm in workplace settings and beyond.

A follow-up virtual conversation about the book "Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking when Stakes are High, Third Edition" will take place on Oct. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is included with your registration. A copy of the book is not included in your registration. Please use this link to purchase the book, or check out a copy through the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library.

Demystifying Implicit Bias Session Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Define the term ‘bias’ and identify several areas in which one may demonstrate biases
  • Measurement: pre- and post-assessment instruments 
• Understand the distinction between implicit and explicit bias and be able to give examples of each
  • Measurement: Participants will be able to define and describe implicit/explicit biases 
• Describe how implicit biases can impact workplace effectiveness
  • Measurement: Participants will be able to give real-life examples of the potential impact of both implicit and explicit biases within the workplace. 
• Identify their own implicit biases 
  • Measurement: Participants will be able to assess her own personal biases through the Harvard IAT (the participant will not be required to publicly share her bias but will share through a brief on-line reflection writing)
• Utilize techniques for overcoming personal implicit biases
  • Measurement: Based upon the Interpersonal Dexterity assessment tool, participants will be able to assess their own individual ability to effectively navigate and leverage differences both within the workplace and among consumers; additionally, they will identify and utilize practical debiasing techniques during in-person workshop activities.

• Read "Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do" by Jennifer L. Eberhardt. 
• Take 3 assessments from the Harvard Implicit Association Test site https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html 
• Watch the YouTube video Implicit Bias: Concepts Unwrapped by McCombs School of Business 
• Reflect on the following questions:
  • How do you think media representations of various demographic groups (black, brown, women, LGBT), have contributed to this social climate of White fear and anxiety? 
  • How do the media and our public servants/celebrities shape our feelings regarding various demographic groups? For example, what do you think was the impact of Hilary Clinton’s infamous commentary on “super predators” upon existing biases regarding African American men?