In today's rapidly evolving workplace landscape, the significance of soft skills cannot be overstated. As a soft skills trainer, I frequently witness recurring themes emerging in my workshops and coaching sessions. One such topic that consistently arises and warrants its own dedicated exploration is unconscious bias.

So, what exactly is unconscious bias? Well, it's those hidden preferences or prejudices we hold towards certain groups of people, often without even realizing it. These biases can influence our decisions, actions, and interactions in subtle yet impactful ways.

But how do we develop these biases in the first place? It's essential to understand that they aren't a result of malice or intent; rather, they stem from our upbringing, experiences, culture, and media influences. Our brains naturally categorize information to make sense of the world, and sometimes, these categorizations lead to biases.

Now, you might be thinking, "But Yolande, are unconscious biases really that common?" The short answer: yes. Studies have shown that we all harbor unconscious biases to some extent, regardless of our background or profession. They're deeply ingrained in our subconscious and can influence everything from hiring decisions to daily interactions with colleagues.

So, why is it crucial for us to be aware of our unconscious biases? Well, for starters, they can hinder diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within our organizations. They can also lead to unfair treatment, missed opportunities, and a toxic work environment. By acknowledging and addressing our biases, we can foster a more inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
Now, you might be wondering, "How can I manage my unconscious biases?"

Here are my  tips:

• Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. The more you understand about others, the less likely you are to rely on stereotypes and assumptions.
• Challenge Your Assumptions: Whenever you catch yourself making snap judgments or assumptions about someone, pause and ask yourself why. Challenge your biases by actively seeking out alternative viewpoints.
• Practice Empathy: Put yourself in others' shoes and try to see things from their perspective. Empathy can help counteract biases by fostering understanding and compassion.
• Diversify Your Networks: Surround yourself with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Exposing yourself to different perspectives can help broaden your worldview and reduce biases.
• Implement Bias-Mitigation Strategies: Incorporate objective criteria and structured decision-making processes into your professional practices to minimize the influence of biases.

By embracing these tips and committing to ongoing self-reflection and growth, we can all become more mindful and inclusive professionals. Together, let's strive to create workplaces where diversity is celebrated, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

​We all go through it - times when we just can't get tasks finished despite the fact that "nothing" is in our way. Well, nothing except procrastination. Adults, children and teens alike, all battle the inertia brought on by procrastination. Yolande and Latasha touch on topics such as instant gratification and perfectionism along the way to cracking the nut that is procrastination. This episode and it's takeaway tips will help listeners identify what's really in the way, and move from delay to done.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of joining the nominees for the Annual Prestige Awards at Beaches Turks and Caicos as their guest speaker for their Empowerment Breakfast. This year’s theme- Dream. Dare. Deliver. We had an awesome time igniting and re-igniting dreams, gaining strategies to manage hurdles that arise and choosing day to day actions that help us move towards our dreams.

Congratulations to all the nominees.

We are back to having guests on Shifting Perspectives! For those of you who have been listening regularly, you know that Latasha and I have been taking a deep dive into some of our favorite topics. This will still be the case, but in 2024, we will so get back to hosting guests that can add to the conversation to 'Shift Your Perspective.'

Guest's Bio:

Sara is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, certified International Behavior Analyst, and parent coach with a background in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. Teaching and parent coaching both in the United States and in East Africa, Sara has been supporting diverse communities since 2006 through inclusive, evidence-based behavior services for individuals of all ages. She has worked on a variety of projects both in schools and with various non-profits creating specialized programs and treatment packages designed for her clients to live a more harmonious life. Sara strives for cultural humility as a foundation in her practice and application of ABA. An artist at heart, Sara is a compassionate and enthusiastic woman who deeply celebrates global diversity.

CONTACT
website: www.behaviorshapes.com
email: [email protected]
whatsapp:+1-561-666-2807

Shifting Perspectives is a conversation with Yolande and Latasha that challenges women to fuel themselves with diversity in the way they think, the way they work, the way they parent and the way they live their lives.

Listen to Shifting Perspectives on Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, Spotify, Google Podcast, Stitcher, Pocket Casts, Overcast, Castro, Castbooks, or Podfriend.

Follow Yolande @yolanderobinson
​Follow Latasha @latashastrachan

Yesterday I had the pleasure of working with the leadership team of Public Safety and Utilities in Grand Turk. 

Reaching Your Potential as a Leader challenges and stimulates participants to be intentional about developing the essential soft skills to reach their potential as a leader and to promote higher productivity and collective achievement within their teams.

• Essential Qualities of a Leader
• Understanding and Building Your Team Dynamic
• Effective Interpersonal Skills
• Understanding Conflict

This week we have a special episode to add to the mix! At the end of January, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Maya Saunders, the host of Let's Move TCI Health Talks, to chat about finding balance.

Balance is a topic that comes up often on Shifting Perspectives, so we decided to share the audio as episode 73.

The mission of Let's Move TCI is to increase Turks and Caicos Islands residents' engagement in sport and physical activity and to promote holistic healthy living alongside proper nutrition. 

Happy Listening!​

As a mother and educator, I've witnessed the profound impact that unconscious bias can have on our children. This is a sticky topic, I know...but it’s one that requires our attention and understanding to ensure a more equitable and inclusive future for the next generation.

Unconscious bias refers to the subtle, ingrained prejudices and stereotypes we hold towards certain groups of people, often without even realizing it. These biases can shape our thoughts, actions, and decisions, impacting our interactions with others on a subconscious level.

Unconscious bias exerts a profound influence on children across various facets of their lives. Firstly, it plays a pivotal role in shaping their identity and self-worth, potentially leading to the internalization of stereotypes that can impact their confidence and aspirations.

​Within the educational realm, biases in the classroom can manifest in differential treatment, adversely affecting academic performance and constraining opportunities for specific students. This perpetuates disparities in educational outcomes, hindering a fair and equitable learning environment. 

Beyond academics, unconscious bias extends its reach into the social sphere, influencing children's interactions and relationships. It has the power to mold friendships and alliances based on stereotypes rather than genuine connections, thereby impacting the formation of authentic social bonds. Recognizing and addressing these effects is essential for creating an environment that nurtures the holistic development of every child.

Unconscious bias can also significantly influence our parenting dynamic, particularly through the modeling of behavior. Children observe and learn from us as parents, absorbing implicit biases displayed in everyday actions. These biases have the potential to shape a child's worldview, perpetuating stereotypes and influencing their attitudes toward diversity. In addition, bias plays a subtle yet impactful role in parental decision-making, subtly shaping choices related to school selection, extracurricular activities, and even playdates. These decisions, made unconsciously, can inadvertently limit a child's exposure to diverse perspectives, reinforcing existing biases within the family unit. When as parents we take the time to recognize and address these influences, we care environments that embrace diversity and nature open-mindedness.

Here are 7 tips to Navigate the Impact on Unconscious Bias:

1. Expand Your Definition of Diversity: Recognize that unconscious bias goes beyond race. Embrace diversity in all its forms – from gender and socioeconomic status to abilities and beyond. Acknowledging this broad spectrum is the first step toward dismantling biases.
2. Promote Inclusive Conversations: Encourage open discussions at home about various aspects of diversity. Addressing unconscious bias requires ongoing dialogue that encompasses a wide range of identities, experiences, and perspectives.
3. Diversify Your Media Consumption: Be intentional about exposing your family to diverse voices through books, movies, and online content. This will broaden your children's perspectives and challenge stereotypes embedded in mainstream media.
4. Challenge Stereotypes Head-On: Actively confront stereotypes when you encounter them. Teach your children to question assumptions and challenge preconceived notions, fostering critical thinking skills that combat unconscious bias.
5. Lead by Example: Model unbiased behavior in your daily life. Demonstrate respect, kindness, and inclusivity in your interactions with others, showing your children the values of embracing diversity.
6. Question Decision-Making Patterns: Reflect on your own decision-making processes, whether related to school choices, extracurricular activities, or social engagements. Ensure that your choices promote diversity and inclusivity, breaking the cycle of unconscious bias.
7. Stay Curious and Learn Together: Cultivate a mindset of continuous learning within your family. Explore new cultures, traditions, and perspectives together, fostering a shared understanding and appreciation for diversity.

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