Overcoming Bias
Overcoming Bias
Building Authentic Relationships across Differences
Edition: 1
Pages: 144
Publication Date: 01 November, 2016
Available in all formats
EPUB
ISBN:
9781626567276
PDF
ISBN:
9781626567269
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Bias is real and we all have it, but there is good news: even though bias is part of the human condition, we are not powerless against it. The secret is building authentic, deep relationships across differences.
Everybody's biased. We all harbor unconscious assumptions that get in the way of our good intentions and keep us from working harmoniously and effectively with other people. In our increasingly diverse society this can be a real stumbling block.
Tiffany Jana and Matthew Freeman-consultants who also happen to be a biracial couple-argue that ultimately the only way to really overcome bias is to focus our energy on building relationships. We need to extend our circle of trust to include people who are different from us in many ways – race, religion, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, education, socioeconomic class, and ability. These differences can enrich our lives and expand our perspectives.
Overcoming Bias doesn't advocate setting some kind of friend quota, merely that we seek out experiences that challenge our presuppositions and expose us to people, cultures, and ideas outside of our usual comfort zone. But this also requires some work on ourselves. Through vivid stories, soul-searching reflection, and fun (yes, fun!) exercises and activities Jana and Freeman help us become aware of our own biases, stereotypes, and unacknowledged privileges. This book will provide you with everything you need to understand bias, talk about it with increased fluency, and overcome it so you can build stronger relationships.
Everybody's biased. We all harbor unconscious assumptions that get in the way of our good intentions and keep us from working harmoniously and effectively with other people. In our increasingly diverse society this can be a real stumbling block.
Tiffany Jana and Matthew Freeman-consultants who also happen to be a biracial couple-argue that ultimately the only way to really overcome bias is to focus our energy on building relationships. We need to extend our circle of trust to include people who are different from us in many ways – race, religion, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, education, socioeconomic class, and ability. These differences can enrich our lives and expand our perspectives.
Overcoming Bias doesn't advocate setting some kind of friend quota, merely that we seek out experiences that challenge our presuppositions and expose us to people, cultures, and ideas outside of our usual comfort zone. But this also requires some work on ourselves. Through vivid stories, soul-searching reflection, and fun (yes, fun!) exercises and activities Jana and Freeman help us become aware of our own biases, stereotypes, and unacknowledged privileges. This book will provide you with everything you need to understand bias, talk about it with increased fluency, and overcome it so you can build stronger relationships.
Description
Bias is real and we all have it, but there is good news: even though bias is part of the human condition, we are not powerless against it. The secret is building authentic, deep relationships across differences.
Everybody's biased. We all harbor unconscious assumptions that get in the way of our good intentions and keep us from working harmoniously and effectively with other people. In our increasingly diverse society this can be a real stumbling block.
Tiffany Jana and Matthew Freeman-consultants who also happen to be a biracial couple-argue that ultimately the only way to really overcome bias is to focus our energy on building relationships. We need to extend our circle of trust to include people who are different from us in many ways – race, religion, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, education, socioeconomic class, and ability. These differences can enrich our lives and expand our perspectives.
Overcoming Bias doesn't advocate setting some kind of friend quota, merely that we seek out experiences that challenge our presuppositions and expose us to people, cultures, and ideas outside of our usual comfort zone. But this also requires some work on ourselves. Through vivid stories, soul-searching reflection, and fun (yes, fun!) exercises and activities Jana and Freeman help us become aware of our own biases, stereotypes, and unacknowledged privileges. This book will provide you with everything you need to understand bias, talk about it with increased fluency, and overcome it so you can build stronger relationships.
Everybody's biased. We all harbor unconscious assumptions that get in the way of our good intentions and keep us from working harmoniously and effectively with other people. In our increasingly diverse society this can be a real stumbling block.
Tiffany Jana and Matthew Freeman-consultants who also happen to be a biracial couple-argue that ultimately the only way to really overcome bias is to focus our energy on building relationships. We need to extend our circle of trust to include people who are different from us in many ways – race, religion, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, education, socioeconomic class, and ability. These differences can enrich our lives and expand our perspectives.
Overcoming Bias doesn't advocate setting some kind of friend quota, merely that we seek out experiences that challenge our presuppositions and expose us to people, cultures, and ideas outside of our usual comfort zone. But this also requires some work on ourselves. Through vivid stories, soul-searching reflection, and fun (yes, fun!) exercises and activities Jana and Freeman help us become aware of our own biases, stereotypes, and unacknowledged privileges. This book will provide you with everything you need to understand bias, talk about it with increased fluency, and overcome it so you can build stronger relationships.
Table of contents
- Cover Page
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Preface
- Introduction: Why is everybody biased but me?
- Chapter One: What is bias and why does it matter?
- Chapter Two: Start with you
- Chapter Three: In-groups and out-groups
- Chapter Four: Check your privilege (and your ego)
- Chapter Five: Scan to expand
- Chapter Six: Ask, don’t assume
- Chapter Seven: Listen, don’t judge
- Conclusion
- Activity Guide
- Notes
- Acknowledgments
- Index
- About the Authors
Review quote
“Tiffany Jana and Matthew Freeman take a tough issue that almost immediately raises everyone's defenses and break it down in simple and practical ways. They explore simple steps to overcoming bias tailored to individuals and small groups. Just as we want to improve our appearance, attitude, or prospects for success, we can improve our ability to engage with others without the blinders of bias blocking our path.”
-Senator Tim Kaine
“This wonderful book encouraged me to look inside and be honest about biases that I didn't even realize I had. Overcoming Bias gives me hope that the biases that separate people can be changed if we're willing to put in the work. With all the discord in the world today, this is the right message at the right time.”
-Helayne Spivak, Director, Virginia Commonwealth University Brandcenter
-Senator Tim Kaine
“This wonderful book encouraged me to look inside and be honest about biases that I didn't even realize I had. Overcoming Bias gives me hope that the biases that separate people can be changed if we're willing to put in the work. With all the discord in the world today, this is the right message at the right time.”
-Helayne Spivak, Director, Virginia Commonwealth University Brandcenter
