“They are just not MD / Director material.”
‘’They are not ready for the next level’’
‘’He / she is not mobile’’
Across my career, I have heard influential leaders utter these statements – no data, no examples, just a statement, a thought spoken . .
And in that moment, a promising career was about to be stalled.
I’ve been in rooms like that—not as an observer, but as the HR leader / business partner who steps in to challenge, coach, and at times influence the delay of decisions to ensure we were not acting on assumptions instead of facts; to stop bias from becoming the final word; to stop bias from sealing someone’s fate unfairly.
I have challenged the other way as well
Because not every strong opinion is a fair one.. .
Because once bias gets airtime, it spreads.
Because bias is contagious!
It influences others – It becomes the room’s reality.
Through bias, careers can get fast tracked . . or subtlety unwound, promotions signalled, reputations shaped, futures in the organization altered.
Bias can quietly rewrite someone’s story for their entire time in the organisation without their knowledge‼️
That’s why as leaders, we must speak thoughtfully and with intention.
We must make responsible decisions.
As you take part in talent discussions this year, here are 4 questions you can ask yourself:
❓Do I know this person well enough and / or is the information I have about them up to date?
❓ Is what I am about to say rooted in fact, or filtered through my / another leader’s bias?
❓Are my words going to lift someone up, limit them or label them?
❓Would I say this if they were seated in this room?
In leadership, your words are seeds – they not just describe potential – they define it.
So let’s be more intentional.
Let’s be more aware of the power and influence of our leadership.
Let’s do better because when Bias Gets Airtime, Careers Pay the Price!
Do you have any more questions you could add to the list above or tips and experiences to share?
hashtag#AcresPlus hashtag#acresplusprofessionalservices
hashtag#Leadership hashtag#HRLeadership hashtag#IntentionalLeadership hashtag#BiasInTheWorkplace hashtag#SpeakWithPurpose hashtag#PeopleMatter hashtag#InclusiveLeadership hashtag#CareerGrowthActivate to view larger image,
