UNCONSCIOUS GENDER BIAS
Many of us know of the interesting studies Amy Cuddy has done in researching the impact of how we use our bodies on our brains. She famously has published the impact of the ‘power pose’ . This involves standing in a dominant powerful pose with arms outstretched or hands on hips , legs apart for a full 2 minutes to raise testosterone and lower cortisol. In essence tricking our brains by utilising the chemical and hormonal changes in our bodies. What I explored was what other actions can help us to influence behaviour and bias.
First we need to understand what happens in the brain. In the hindbrain we have the association cortex , both unconscious and conscious association. In simple terms the brain receives input through the frontal , parietal and temporal lobes - the five senses sending signals for interpretation in the association cortices. However, the brain is lazy and making new connections is hard work, so it prefers to follow familiar patterns.
Similar to when you drive to work and you know your preferred route, then there is a road block. Its a hassle. You don’t want to have to work out a new way. So the brain follows ingrained familiar patterns. In fact , we don’t see reality , we see patterns.
Which is why we see things like this…………………….
Our brains see familiar image or pattern in the toast
Despite religious beliefs, Jesus has not really put his face in a piece of toast. What the brain has done has seen a familiar pattern and formed the image.
The same happens with words. We have familiar associations with men and women. Women are associated with Emotional, Caring, Supportive. Where as men are thought of with words like Driven, Leader, Provider. When we hear words like Aggressive, Forceful, Strong associated with women , it jars our natural unconscious association and that is when we start judging. This is mostly unconscious, both men and women judge when words are foreign to our natural association.
“Advice women are given focusses on networking, personal brand, finding greatness in others & coaching.”
So what is our current state? Women make up only 3% of Australian CEOs in Fortune 500 companies; and only 20.7% of Board members. Christine Lagarde, first female leader of the IMF was once famously told “you will never succeed because you are a woman”. This is not about Male bashing because we know the tide is changing and there are a lot of very professional and supportive male leaders out there. We also know women can often be their own worst enemy. For instance, impostor syndrome and self fulfilling prophecies is a common sound track playing in many women’s heads.
So how do we change the narrative? These are simple but effective ways to reduce bias.
“Men are taught financial acumen, strategic goals , strategic insights in the industry”
Intent
Set up the intention of your discussion. Ideas and information are found to be better received if the intention is delivered before the content. Adding a few words to a forceful statement reduces the bias.
Example: No intent set up phrase in a meeting - “ I am not on board with this decision, we need to rethink the model to deliver better outcomes.”
Now with a few words of intent:
“ I see this as a matter of integrity and honesty so its important I share where I stand. I am not on board with this decision……………”
A brief statement explaining intent decreases negative judgement.
Share and receive good news
People who share positive experiences twice a week are happier & more satisfied.
By changing what you share, you will change the perception both for you and those around you.
Co-operation lights up the reward centre of the brain
In summary, if you want to reduce unconscious gender bias:
Change the self belief.
EMBRACE being and thinking differently as a women
Use role models
HELP other women – assist & guide
Intent First – Content Second
SET UP the conversation