This week, I want to explain to you why I believe DEI training is a waste of time, as bias is an innate part of being a human being.
Notes:
- Last week I was totally overwhelmed, hence I missed an episode.
- As we coming to the end of the year, I am working hard to meet many project deadlines.
- This week, I want to explain to you why I believe DEI training is a waste of time.
- It comes off the back of me having to attend compulsory training this week in the company where I work.
- For those that don't know, DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
- In principal, this is a noble cause. The idea is to train us not to treat people differently based on their gender, colour, age, or any other attribute.
- We learned about such topics as "covering" when a person covers up aspects of themselves in order to fit in at work, therefore restricting them from bringing their "true self" to work.
- In reality, we all present a professional persona that is different from our true selves.
- To be professional, we must often leave topics at home like personal issues, political beliefs, or any other topics that are likely to upset or annoy our colleagues.
- Basically, we are all "covering" whether we admit it or not.
- Secondly, the reality is we all have bias. Bias is naturally, as it is a survival instinct.
- If our ancestors got attacked by a certain animal type on a regular basis, they became biased against that animal pretty quickly.
- In modern times we are not that different: during an interview process you will be judged, that will often include bias, and yes that is unfair.
- Pretending that bias does not exist is simply that: pretending.
- DEI initiatives while noble in intent, it simply tries to suppress bias rather than remove it.
- You cannot remove it, as it is an innate part of being a human being.
- As a leader, it is much better to acknowledge your bias and to challenge it internally, as bias can create blind spots.
- Reassess you bias on a regular basis: is it still valid, are their decent sample sizes to justify it, or is it all based on your own personal experience that may be flawed?
- Challenge bias, but don't pretend you can remove it completely.
- And remember: others are biased towards you also for all kinds of unfair reasons.
- That is life.
- Media I am enjoying this week:
- I finally finished Maelstrom by Peter Watts, which is part 2 of his Rifter series.
Notes and subscription links are here: https://techleader.pro/a/666-DEI-training-is-a-waste-of-time-(TLP-2024w45)
