Breaking Bias

Joanne Lockwood

Tags: Psychological Safety, bias breaking, human goodness, diversity perspective, personal awareness, effective decision making, overcoming fears, memory learning, cultural values, meaningful conversations

Creating Safe Spaces: Psychological Safety and the Need for Belonging

Lorne Epstein examines the impact of awareness on biases, the power of human goodness, and strategies for fostering inclusivity, rooted in a belief in our shared desire for peace and safety.

In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood and guest Lorne Epstein dive deep into the world of unconscious bias and the transformative power of self-awareness. Lorne, a seasoned social scientist, brings to the table compelling insights into human goodness, the evolving understanding of diversity, and practical techniques for managing stress and enhancing decision-making. Joanne complements these insights with her rich experiences, making for a thought-provoking and inspiring discussion.

Lorne Epstein has over 20 years of experience as a social scientist, focusing on unconscious bias and its implications in everyday life. Beyond his academic pursuits in cognitive neuroscience, Lorne has delivered workshops around the globe, reaching over 50,000 participants. His journey includes hosting a public radio show about jobs, conducting online workshops during the COVID pandemic, and offering training that has transformed perspectives in various settings, including a notable session at an Ohio hospital. Lorne advocates for continuous learning, self-reflection, and practical techniques to manage stress and decision-making, aiming to inspire positive change at both personal and societal levels.

The conversation kicks off with Lorne's optimistic view of fundamental human goodness, despite the often-negative portrayal of people in the media. He and Joanne explore the nuanced understanding of diversity, emphasising the inclusion of different learning styles and interactions. Lorne introduces stress management techniques like breathing exercises and structured stand-up meetings to enhance clarity in decision-making. Key components for effective decision-making are discussed, including timing, relevant information, outcome analysis, and physical awareness. Joanne delves into the importance of recalibrating the definition of success and the role of authenticity in creative work.

Listeners are given an intimate glimpse into overcoming personal failures and fears, with both Lorne and Joanne sharing poignant personal anecdotes. The episode wraps up by celebrating resilience, the importance of psychological safety, and fostering environments where individuals can thrive without fear of judgment. Joanne touchingly expresses her gratitude towards Lorne's contributions and hints at exciting future episodes.

A key takeaway from this episode is the profound impact of self-awareness and continual learning in overcoming biases and fostering inclusive environments. Listeners will walk away with practical tools for managing stress and making effective decisions, as well as inspiration to challenge societal norms and embrace the transformative power of inclusivity. Tune in for an enriching experience that promises to equip you with actionable insights and drive meaningful change. #InclusionBites #BreakingBias

Published: 13.02.2025

Recorded: 19.12.2024 Episode Length

Duration: 1:07:06

Shownotes:

AI Extracts and Interpretations
The Inclusion Bites Podcast #147: Breaking Bias
Other Links
seechangehappen.co.uk SEE Change Happen: The Inclusive Culture Experts
Inclusion Bites Podcast on YouTube

Clips and Timestamps

The Realities Behind the Glitter: “By the end of towards the end of the flight, the plane got just crazy turbulent. I got so sick that they took me off by ambulance, went to the hospital for about 3 or 4 hours, got fixed up.”
— Lorne Epstein [00:06:39 → 00:06:51]

The Mysteries of the Brain: “In every class I’ve taken, usually sometime during the class, the teachers, like, shrugs their shoulders and says, and we don’t know.”
— Lorne Epstein [00:16:18 → 00:16:23]

The Nature of Unconscious Biases: “We fill in the blanks. If I tell you three pieces of information, you’ll connect them and make up a story.”
— Lorne Epstein [00:19:34 → 00:19:39]

Topic of Human Connection: “But when I don’t, that gives the opportunity, the space for for connection and intimacy, like not physical intimacy, like, you know, just that emotional intimacy.”
— Lorne Epstein [00:26:08 → 00:26:20]

The Importance of Language and Lifelong Learning: “I think one of the one of my greatest one of my superpowers, I didn’t write that down, is that I am truly a lifelong learner. Like, I’m getting a master’s degree in cognitive neuroscience. And I got to tell you, sometimes I wonder why, because it’s so freaking hard.”
— Lorne Epstein [00:38:33 → 00:38:45]

Decision-Making Essentials: “And so in a surgical room, that’s really bad. But doing that, when teams have small teams have to make a decision, an important decision is to come together and have a quick, like, okay. What are we doing here?”
— Lorne Epstein [00:42:21 → 00:42:22]

Decision-Making Criteria: “The information has to have 2 components. 1, it has to only address the question that we’re asking and no more because our human brain isn’t really good with data and numbers. Right? Second thing is that it has to have ethic it has to have provenance.”
— Lorne Epstein [00:43:15 → 00:43:32]

The Fear of Judgement: “You can see it somewhere in that development period where kids go from, like, being this joyful, lit up, exuberant, I’m just gonna be, like, whatever I am, to then, like, all of a sudden, buttoned up, shut down, controlled, scared. I don’t want anyone to see me.”
— Lorne Epstein [00:48:57 → 00:49:13]

Overcoming Fear: “What can I do that is a little scary, but not as super scary? And keep building on that to build confidence.”
— Lorne Epstein [00:52:54 → 00:52:59]

The Courage to Stand for Inclusion: “And I appreciate that you are standing in the gap, like where we are and where we could be around every human being feeling included, experiencing inclusion.”
— Lorne Epstein [01:01:26 → 01:01:40]

Definition of Terms Used

Psychological Safety

Definition: Psychological safety is the belief that one can express ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes without fear of negative consequences to self-image, status, or career.
Relevance: Creating environments with psychological safety can lead to higher levels of performance, creativity, and engagement among individuals.
Examples: Open forums for idea sharing, team meetings where feedback is encouraged, and leaders modelling vulnerability.
Related Terms: Trust, Emotional Safety, Team Dynamics, Inclusive Leadership
Common Misconceptions: It is often misunderstood as being synonymous with comfort; however, it entails creating a space where challenging conversations and constructive conflicts are welcome.

Unconscious Bias

Definition: Unconscious bias refers to the stereotypes or attitudes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner, influenced by background, cultural environment, and personal experiences.
Relevance: Addressing unconscious bias is crucial in fostering inclusive environments, both in workplaces and broader social settings.
Examples: Gender bias in hiring, racial biases impacting customer service, and confirmation biases in decision-making.
Related Terms: Implicit Bias, Stereotyping, Cognitive Bias, Discrimination
Common Misconceptions: Some believe they are exempt from biases; however, everyone has unconscious biases that need to be examined and managed.

Visualisation Techniques

Definition: Visualisation techniques involve creating mental images to achieve specific goals or alleviate anxieties, often used as a tool for improving performance or mental well-being.
Relevance: Utilising visualisation can help individuals prepare for stressful situations, enhancing self-confidence and reducing anxiety.
Examples: Athletes visualising winning a race, professionals envisioning successful presentations, and visualising calm places to manage stress.
Related Terms: Mental Imagery, Mindfulness, Cognitive Rehearsal, Stress Reduction
Common Misconceptions: Some may think visualisation is simply daydreaming; however, it is a structured practice aimed at achieving real outcomes.

Fight or Flight Response

Definition: The fight or flight response is the body’s automatic physiological reaction to perceived threats, preparing an individual to either confront or flee from the danger.
Relevance: Understanding this response can help manage stress and reactions in high-pressure situations, crucial for both personal and professional contexts.
Examples: Elevated heart rate and adrenaline when facing a deadline, or the instinct to escape during a public speaking event.
Related Terms: Stress Response, Anxiety, Survival Instincts, Autonomic Nervous System
Common Misconceptions: It’s often thought to only apply to physical dangers; however, it also occurs in social and psychological stress situations.

Neuroscience of Memory

Definition: The neuroscience of memory involves the study of how the brain processes, stores, and retrieves information, highlighting the complex and varying mechanisms behind memory formation.
Relevance: Insights into memory neuroscience are vital for understanding learning processes and addressing issues related to memory disorders.
Examples: Research on how memories are consolidated during sleep, studying disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease, and understanding the impact of emotional experiences on memory recall.
Related Terms: Cognitive Neuroscience, Memory Consolidation, Synaptic Plasticity, Neuroplasticity
Common Misconceptions: Some believe memory works like a video recorder; in reality, it is a reconstructive process influenced by many factors.