Assume Nothing

We all make assumptions, and these are the building blocks for our unconscious biases. They pervade the workplace and spill into our personal life. Dr. Stephens carefully walks you through a three-step model for overcoming unconscious bias. Step 1 is to raise awareness and unfreeze the undesired behavior. Step 2 is to change the behavior through transformational conversation. And Step 3 involves creating a plan to freeze the new, desired behavior. With relevant examples and research, Dr. Stephens illustrates that we all have unconscious biases that impact the way we see the world and interact with others. She points out the detrimental effect these biases can have in the workplace and gives the reader tools to use to mitigate these biases.

We all make assumptions, and these are the building blocks for our unconscious biases. They pervade the workplace and spill into our personal life. Dr. Stephens carefully walks you through a three-step model for overcoming unconscious bias. Step 1 is to raise awareness and unfreeze the undesired behavior. Step 2 is to change the behavior through transformational conversation. And Step 3 involves creating a plan to freeze the new, desired behavior. With relevant examples and research, Dr. Stephens illustrates that we all have unconscious biases that impact the way we see the world and interact with others. She points out the detrimental effect these biases can have in the workplace and gives the you tools to use to mitigate these biases. This book is helpful for everyone who wants to learn how to recognize their own biases and take steps to eliminate them. In addition, Dr. Stephens offers ways to recognize when unconscious bias is directed towards you, so you can decide whether to take action or walk away.

Dr. Kim Stephens is the founder of Inclusive Thinking – a consulting company dedicated to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion through research, education, and strategic planning. Before founding Inclusive Thinking, she had a twenty-year career with IBM, most recently as the Global Diversity & Inclusion Communication and Education Lead. She has spoken at conferences around the world and conducted workshops on unconscious bias, cultural awareness, women's leadership, accessibility, rare disease, and clinical trials. Stephens earned her doctorate in business from Georgia State University and focused her research on implicit bias and the role of transformational conversation and social identity on behavioral change.    www.inclusivethinking.org