Unconscious biases that undermine performance and decision-making

An unconscious or cognitive bias is a systematic thinking error that causes us to make poor decisions and judgments, often taking the form of social stereotypes.

To make sense of the infinite complexity of the world, our brain has to take short-cuts, like categorising people into groups with expected traits. The downside is the potential for prejudice which can ultimately lead to unintended racial, gender and other biases.

Research shows that we can’t avoid being biased - it’s hard-wired into the human operating system. The solution is to be aware of when biases could be at work and put in place mitigating strategies. We create a safe environment for people to understand and take ownership of their biases.

During the session we look at some of the key biases that can lead to poor decision-making impacting your project performance.

• Understand how the major systems in the brain work and can lead to poor decisions and stereotyping
• Combat the corrosive prevalence of negativity, and restore balance
• Become aware of the key touchpoints in your day when you are at the mercy of making bad decisions
• Develop awareness, strategies and habits to mitigate bias to get optimum performance from your team

Similarity bias: we are more likely to recruit and value the opinions of someone “like us. This leads to non-diverse, less inclusive and poorer performing teams.

Temporal discounting: we pay more attention to short-term expediency, rather than creating longterm value. This also plays havoc with our time management.

In group /out group causes siloed working, with departmental agendas and “point-scoring” taking precedence over corporate objectives and real teamwork.

Loss aversion: we over-rate risk and underrate opportunity - leading to poor investment decisions and missed opportunities.

Groupthink leads to disengagement and poor decision-making due to the desire to “fit-in” and not express unpopular views. We look at ways to ensu

You’re good with your hands… but your brother is the intelligent one This is what I was told as a child. Having failed my 11+ exam, and being consigned to being ‘average’, I am living proof that anyone can be who they want to be and achieve a destiny beyond their dreams… and the low expectations of others.

Drawing on ground-breaking neuroscience research and brain-based coaching methods, I transform the behaviours of teams and individuals to deliver growth, engagement and profitability within world-class companies.

With a Masters in Business Analysis & Systems Design and as a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management, I combine business acumen with an intimate knowledge of corporate culture. I am an accredited brain and behaviour specialist, with over 25 years experience, offering a series of world-renowned programmes to multi-national organisations, including HSBC, Louis Vuitton, Emirates, Siemens and Unilever.

Based on personal experience and sharing real-world examples, I have a passion for explaining – and overcoming – the limiting beliefs, fixed mindsets and biases that thwart the potential of so many.

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