To overcome potential blind spots we need to build our cultural dexterity – the ability to understand, coach and communicate effectively with different people.
Why is it important?
Experts say we all have blind spots based on our education, experiences and exposure. We make assumptions, often unconsciously, that may lead to incorrect conclusions.
How can you take action?
- Challenge assumptions, examine behaviors and evaluate conclusions
- Be clear about your criteria of success
- Rotate opportunities among team members
- Build comfort and trust with everyone on your team
- Give feedback in real-time, instead of relying on memory
What does it look like?
Similarity Effect – Research finds that similarity helps us build trust quickly. We often attracted to people who are familiar and remind us of ourselves. We feel more comfortable with them. As a result, it may take longer to build trust with people who have very different backgrounds from our own.
Prototype bias – Studies show we often have an unconscious image of the type of
person who is good at a particular task. These models are based on the people we
have seen success in roles in the past. One study found that people associate Police
Chiefs with men and have difficulty selecting women for that role even if they are well
qualified. That prototype bias disappeared when the research participants had to
articulate the criteria for a Police Chief before they selected a candidate.
Halo / Horns Effect – A “halo” is when a positive impression of someone carries over into everything they do. An early success becomes a general label. The “horns” effect
is the opposite of where a negative first impression or mistake lasts, even if the
person performs well in the future. In order to make balanced evaluations, focus on
the present facts and behaviors instead of past performance.
Confirmation Bias – When you use selective thinking by looking for what confirms
your beliefs and ignoring or undervaluing the relevance of what contradicts your
beliefs.
Memory Bias – Memory can be unreliable and lead to biased decision making
Research shows that people frequently do not have accurate recall of past events without taking detailed notes or a photo.
Why is it important?
Experts say we all have blind spots based on our education, experiences and exposure. We make assumptions, often unconsciously, that may lead to incorrect conclusions.
How can you take action?
- Challenge assumptions, examine behaviors and evaluate conclusions
- Be clear about your criteria of success
- Rotate opportunities among team members
- Build comfort and trust with everyone on your team
- Give feedback in real-time, instead of relying on memory
What does it look like?
Similarity Effect – Research finds that similarity helps us build trust quickly. We often attracted to people who are familiar and remind us of ourselves. We feel more comfortable with them. As a result, it may take longer to build trust with people who have very different backgrounds from our own.
Prototype bias – Studies show we often have an unconscious image of the type of
person who is good at a particular task. These models are based on the people we
have seen success in roles in the past. One study found that people associate Police
Chiefs with men and have difficulty selecting women for that role even if they are well
qualified. That prototype bias disappeared when the research participants had to
articulate the criteria for a Police Chief before they selected a candidate.
Halo / Horns Effect – A “halo” is when a positive impression of someone carries over into everything they do. An early success becomes a general label. The “horns” effect
is the opposite of where a negative first impression or mistake lasts, even if the
person performs well in the future. In order to make balanced evaluations, focus on
the present facts and behaviors instead of past performance.
Confirmation Bias – When you use selective thinking by looking for what confirms
your beliefs and ignoring or undervaluing the relevance of what contradicts your
beliefs.
Memory Bias – Memory can be unreliable and lead to biased decision making
Research shows that people frequently do not have accurate recall of past events without taking detailed notes or a photo.