UNCONSCIOUS BIAS

Unconscious bias, also known as implicit bias is referred to an unintentional attitude or stereotype that affect our judgments, decisions, and interactions with others people. These happens below our conscious awareness, which influences our perceptions and behaviors towards individuals. 

I had an encounter in a community where I stayed and was privileged to lead a small group of youths to achieve a goal. A colleague, unaware of their bias, consistently interrupted female team members during meetings, rarely allowing them to finish voicing their thoughts then he goes "that's a very good Idea but..." This behavior maintained a stereotype that women's opinions were less valuable and what ever the men have decided stands.

I recognized the pattern, the consistent behavior and its impact on the team, I then addressed the issue privately by discussing the behavior with the colleague in question, explaining how it affected others and suggesting alternative communication strategies and encouraged active listening. 

We can manage Unconscious bias by Self-reflection and awareness, education and training because many are not aware of it, empathy and active listening are also important. Unconscious bias affects everyone, therefore, recognizing and addressing it is of utmost importance.