As we announced in June 2020, we are committed to dismantling systemic inequality in recruiting.
Part of this commitment involves quarterly updates surrounding our efforts. Here are some updates on the initiatives we have been working on.
Hands-on practice and role-playing
Our committee’s strategic goal for Q2 2023 was to increase collaboration and communication in our workflow regarding dismantling systemic inequality in recruiting. To support this goal, our team participated in several exercises to gain knowledge and become more familiar with circumstances we may encounter in different interactions.
Weekly huddle meeting: Unconscious Bias series
Our committee’s strategic goal for Q2 2023 was to increase collaboration and communication in our workflow regarding dismantling systemic inequality in recruiting. To support this goal, our team participated in several exercises to gain knowledge and become more familiar with circumstances we may encounter in different interactions.
- Affinity bias: The tendency to gravitate toward people like ourselves.
- Confirmation bias: Looking for or favoring information that confirms beliefs we already hold.
- Conformity bias: Similar to groupthink, this type of bias occurs when your views are influenced or swayed by the views of others.
- Halo/horn effect: The halo effect is when you think more highly of someone after learning something impressive about them, whereas the horn effect is negatively perceiving someone when you learn something unfavorable about them.
These team conversations highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the mental shortcuts that can lead to quick judgments. How can we create spaces to identify biases? Could any bias have impacted candidate assessment and/or recommendations? This level of transparency is something we will continue to bring into our conversations with clients.
The Juneteenth flag, designed by Ben Haith
Juneteenth conversation
Juneteenth – also known as Emancipation or Freedom Day – celebrates the ending of slavery on June 19, 1865. We sought to become more educated as a team about the history of the holiday so we could better honor the event. Together, we watched a brief video called “What is Juneteenth, and why is it important?” After discussion, we split into smaller groups and each was given a few questions about Juneteenth to research together. Everyone returned from the scavenger hunt having gained valuable knowledge about the significance of Juneteenth.
Role play during June all hands
How do we show up in conversations with vendors, partners, and the community? This exercise focused on all functions within the organization, not only those that are client-facing. Subjects included defining what the “best” candidate meant for a department, or what kinds of experience, education, or other skills would be beneficial in a role.
When we came back together to discuss, colleagues shared areas of growth in their work and something helpful they took away from the role play. This highlighted the opportunities we each have to address the different types of unconscious biases discussed in our huddle meetings. Every interaction is unique, so the more familiar we become with recognizing bias, the better prepared we will be to respond.
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels
The Courage Collective Training
Our team had the pleasure of once again partnering with The Courage Collective for training on the subject of “Mobilizing Change Through Repair.” The Courage Collective provides personalized, engaging, and timely sessions to foster team dialogue on relevant social issues. Navigating difficult conversations was a topic our team expressed wanting to learn more about when we began our focus group. Through this discussion, we learned an important framework for responding to conflict.
“Design & Realign”
When confronted with disagreement, we can either disengage, try to deconstruct the opposing argument, or design and re-align the conversation. The third method, “Design & Re-align,” is a values-based approach to resolving conflict. It allows us to create an alternative path forward by inspiring a new way of thinking, feeling, or behaving that aligns with our values. What characterizes this approach?
- Curiosity: Avoid passing judgment, instead asking why someone might hold that opinion
- Insights: Share knowledge to broaden thinking (e.g. offer key data points or personal experiences)
- Reminding: Stay anchored to your values or “why”
A guiding principle to keep in mind is that success IS acting in alignment with my values; success IS NOT changing someone else’s behavior. Through this training, every person was given the space to reflect on how they could approach difficult conversations with confidence and empowerment.
Photo by RDNE Stock Project on Pexels
Reflecting on the first half of 2023, engaging in various hands-on activities has provided our team with the practical tools to communicate effectively and with integrity. We are excited to bring you additional updates on our progress and are open to any feedback or suggestions you may have.