Everyday Bias: Identifying and Navigating Unconscious Judgments in Our Daily Lives

by Howard J. Ross

Overview

"We are certain we are 'one' person, not a thousand different selves reacting unconsciously to thousands of different stimuli. Everyday Bias is an important guide to seeing oneself the way others might." - Ken Burns, filmmaker

To be human is to be biased. From this simple truth, nationally recognized diversity expert Howard J. Ross explores the biases we each carry within us. Incorporating anecdotes from today's headlines alongside case studies from over 30 years of diversity consulting, Ross helps readers understand how unconscious bias impacts our day-to-day lives and, particularly, our daily work lives.

He answers the question: “Is there anything we can do about it?” by providing examples of behaviors that the reader can engage in to disengage the impact of their own biases. Originally published in 2014, the updated edition draws new examples from today's headlines, such as the #MeToo Movement, police shootings, and bias in the ever-more-partisan Trump era.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442258655
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	07/30/2020
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	214
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Howard J. Ross, a lifelong social justice advocate and founding partner of the nationally recognized diversity consulting firm Cook Ross, Inc., is the author of Reinventing Diversity: Transforming Organizational Community to Strengthen People, Purpose, and Performance (2011), Everyday Bias: Identifying and Navigating Unconscious Bias in our Everyday Lives and Our Search for Belonging: How Our Need to Connect is Tearing Us Apart (Barrett Koehler, 2018) His work has been published by the Harvard Business Review, the Washington Post, the New York Times, and Forbes, and he has worked with Fortune 500 companies across a variety of industries. He resides in Washington, DC.

Table of Contents

Introduction:
Blinded by the Light of Our Bias

Chapter One
If You are Human, You are Biased

Chapter Two
Thinking about Thinking

Chapter Three
The Many Faces of Bias

Chapter Four
Life, Death and Unconscious Bias on a Rainy Night

Chapter Six
Like Water for the Fish: Networks of Bias in Everyday Life

Chapter Seven
Shifting to Neutral: How We Can Learn to Disengage from Bias

Chapter Eight
Incubators of Consciousness: Creating More Conscious Organizations

Conclusion:
A Brave New World, A Grand New Journey

Acknowledgments

Bibliography

Endnotes

Editorial Reviews

Often times books on implicit bias locate it in individual minds, without taking into consideration the social environments that promote bias. Ross approaches unconscious bias as a natural cognitive mechanism exhibited by all humans, the remnant of an evolutionary need for survival. However, Ross also acknowledges that bias is driven by the cultural spaces one occupies, and is embedded in social institutions (e.g., legal, health care). In this book Ross uses research from social and medical sciences to support explanations of how unconscious bias is manifested in everyday life. One of the strongest aspects of the book is that its last two chapters are devoted to suggestions for how people can combat expressions of their own individual bias, as well as providing steps that organizations can take to combat bias while making decisions about talent. The appendix expands on organizational solutions by providing more ways to identify and navigate bias in talent management. The text is engaging and addresses a general audience. This is a must read for everyone who wants to learn about bias or is interested in taking the steps (individually or on an organizational level) to combat it. Highly recommended for all readers.” —Choice Reviews

“[An] important text on our human predisposition towards stereotyping our fellow human beings for often superficial, inaccurate, and unfair reasons. It isn't a book written in some sort of social and cultural vacuum. Ross addresses the many social movements and changes our world has endured in recent history, such as the #metoo movement, and touches on the multiple and systemic ways our biases visit injustice on otherwise fine or innocent human beings.” —Refreshing Reads

“The author explores the many biases that we each carry within us. Most people do not see themselves as biased towards people of different races or different genders. And yet, in virtually every area of modern life, disparities remain. Breakthroughs in the cognitive and neurosciences give some idea why our results seem inconsistent with our intentions. Bias is natural to the human mind, a survival mechanism that is fundamental to our identity. And, overwhelmingly, it is unconscious. Incorporating anecdotes from today's headlines alongside case studies from over 30 years as a nationally prominent diversity consultant, Ross helps readers understand how unconscious bias impacts our day-to-day lives and particularly our daily work lives. He also provides examples of behaviors that the reader can engage in to disengage the impact of their own biases.” —Journal of Consumer Policy

“Howard Ross, a diversity expert, consultant, and founder of Cook-Ross, Inc., writes an in-depth look into the human mind and explores the known and unknown biases that constantly shape our thoughts and actions. . . .I believe this text would be helpful for business students and those who are currently in the workforce. . . .[This book] could be a valuable addition for those interested in the topic of bias and how it is manifested.” —The Christian Librarian

“getAbstract recommends Ross's insights to human resource professionals, managers and leaders dealing with a diverse workforce, and to anyone seeking to learn, grow and evolve.” —getAbstract

“We are certain we are 'one' person, not a thousand different selves reacting unconsciously to thousands of different stimuli. Everyday Bias is an important guide to seeing oneself the way others might.” —Ken Burns, filmmaker

“Howard Ross has done it again! Another gem that promises and delivers validated and practical methods for understanding our own biases. Everyday Bias explores those areas of bias that we all have and how it has meaningful, often negative impact for businesses, schools and society in general. For the casual interested reader or the chief diversity officer of an organization this book stands out as an invaluable guide to recognizing one's own biases and how to effectively interrupt our usual patterns of thinking and behavior. Moreover, it offers fresh thinking through vivid examples of promising practices to disrupt unconscious bias by organizations and corporations. Howard is the unique writer that can blend evidence based data, rigorous analytical research and invaluable personal knowledge to ensure every reader finds a new and important insight.” —Marc A. Nivet, Chief Diversity Officer, Association of American Medical Colleges, Inc.

“The real genius of Everyday Bias is that it allows all of us to better understand bias without the guilt that often prevents us from addressing it. . . . Howard's P.A.U.S.E. model is a groundbreaking shift in how to reconcile bias in an empowering way that will create stronger organizations and nations, better equipped to leverage the strength of difference.” —Steve Pemberton, Chief Diversity Officer, Walgreens and Author of A Chance in the World

“Howard Ross has thoroughly researched and clearly explained how and why we human beings engage in unconscious judgments. Most importantly, he helps us see how we can find a way not to act on our unconscious biases about people who are different from us. I learned an enormous amount from this book. Read it and you will too! Written by a consummate professional in diversity and inclusion consultancy, this book reinforces my belief that we human beings have the capacity to discover a new and effective way to acknowledge our differences and to move toward a day when our differences do not make any more difference.” —Johnnetta Betsch Cole, President Emerita of Spelman College and Bennett College for Women

“For decades leaders have been challenged with how to effectively build and tap in to the full power of diversity and inclusion. By learning to accept the human tendency towards “bias,” Howard Ross provides a solution for the reader to more effectively design and lead his or her organization towards greater human engagement and powerful organizational results. Leaders of all types will benefit from these questions, methods and techniques to foster engaged, innovative and powerfully productive teams.” —Tony Byers, PhD, Corporate Chief Diversity Officer

From the Publisher

The author explores the many biases that we each carry within us. Most people do not see themselves as biased towards people of different races or different genders. And yet, in virtually every area of modern life, disparities remain. Breakthroughs in the cognitive and neurosciences give some idea why our results seem inconsistent with our intentions. Bias is natural to the human mind, a survival mechanism that is fundamental to our identity. And, overwhelmingly, it is unconscious. Incorporating anecdotes from today’s headlines alongside case studies from over 30 years as a nationally prominent diversity consultant, Ross helps readers understand how unconscious bias impacts our day-to-day lives and particularly our daily work lives. He also provides examples of behaviors that the reader can engage in to disengage the impact of their own biases.

Journal of Consumer Policy

Howard Ross, a diversity expert, consultant, and founder of Cook-Ross, Inc., writes an in-depth look into the human mind and explores the known and unknown biases that constantly shape our thoughts and actions.. . .I believe this text would be helpful for business students and those who are currently in the workforce.. . .[This book] could be a valuable addition for those interested in the topic of bias and how it is manifested.

The Christian Librarian

Howard Ross has done it again! Another gem that promises and delivers validated and practical methods for understanding our own biases. Everyday Bias explores those areas of bias that we all have and how it has meaningful, often negative impact for businesses, schools and society in general. For the casual interested reader or the chief diversity officer of an organization this book stands out as an invaluable guide to recognizing one’s own biases and how to effectively interrupt our usual patterns of thinking and behavior. Moreover, it offers fresh thinking through vivid examples of promising practices to disrupt unconscious bias by organizations and corporations. Howard is the unique writer that can blend evidence based data, rigorous analytical research and invaluable personal knowledge to ensure every reader finds a new and important insight.

Marc A. Nivet

getAbstract recommends Ross's insights to human resource professionals, managers and leaders dealing with a diverse workforce, and to anyone seeking to learn, grow and evolve.

getAbstract

We are certain we are 'one' person, not a thousand different selves reacting unconsciously to thousands of different stimuli. Everyday Bias is an important guide to seeing oneself the way others might.

Ken Burns

The real genius of Everyday Bias is that it allows all of us to better understand bias without the guilt that often prevents us from addressing it.. .. Howard’s P.A.U.S.E. model is a groundbreaking shift in how to reconcile bias in an empowering way that will create stronger organizations and nations, better equipped to leverage the strength of difference.

Steve Pemberton

Often times books on implicit bias locate it in individual minds, without taking into consideration the social environments that promote bias. Ross approaches unconscious bias as a natural cognitive mechanism exhibited by all humans, the remnant of an evolutionary need for survival. However, Ross also acknowledges that bias is driven by the cultural spaces one occupies, and is embedded in social institutions (e.g., legal, health care). In this book Ross uses research from social and medical sciences to support explanations of how unconscious bias is manifested in everyday life. One of the strongest aspects of the book is that its last two chapters are devoted to suggestions for how people can combat expressions of their own individual bias, as well as providing steps that organizations can take to combat bias while making decisions about talent. The appendix expands on organizational solutions by providing more ways to identify and navigate bias in talent management. The text is engaging and addresses a general audience. This is a must read for everyone who wants to learn about bias or is interested in taking the steps (individually or on an organizational level) to combat it. Highly recommended for all readers.

Choice Reviews

Howard Ross has thoroughly researched and clearly explained how and why we human beings engage in unconscious judgments. Most importantly, he helps us see how we can find a way not to act on our unconscious biases about people who are different from us. I learned an enormous amount from this book. Read it and you will too! Written by a consummate professional in diversity and inclusion consultancy, this book reinforces my belief that we human beings have the capacity to discover a new and effective way to acknowledge our differences and to move toward a day when our differences do not make any more difference.

Johnnetta Betsch Cole

For decades leaders have been challenged with how to effectively build and tap in to the full power of diversity and inclusion. By learning to accept the human tendency towards “bias,” Howard Ross provides a solution for the reader to more effectively design and lead his or her organization towards greater human engagement and powerful organizational results. Leaders of all types will benefit from these questions, methods and techniques to foster engaged, innovative and powerfully productive teams.

Tony Byers

[An] important text on our human predisposition towards stereotyping our fellow human beings for often superficial, inaccurate, and unfair reasons. It isn’t a book written in some sort of social and cultural vacuum. Ross addresses the many social movements and changes our world has endured in recent history, such as the #metoo movement, and touches on the multiple and systemic ways our biases visit injustice on otherwise fine or innocent human beings.

Refreshing Reads

Often times books on implicit bias locate it in individual minds, without taking into consideration the social environments that promote bias. Ross approaches unconscious bias as a natural cognitive mechanism exhibited by all humans, the remnant of an evolutionary need for survival. However, Ross also acknowledges that bias is driven by the cultural spaces one occupies, and is embedded in social institutions (e.g., legal, health care). In this book Ross uses research from social and medical sciences to support explanations of how unconscious bias is manifested in everyday life. One of the strongest aspects of the book is that its last two chapters are devoted to suggestions for how people can combat expressions of their own individual bias, as well as providing steps that organizations can take to combat bias while making decisions about talent. The appendix expands on organizational solutions by providing more ways to identify and navigate bias in talent management. The text is engaging and addresses a general audience. This is a must read for everyone who wants to learn about bias or is interested in taking the steps (individually or on an organizational level) to combat it. Highly recommended for all readers.

Choice

Oftentimes books on implicit bias locate it in individual minds, without taking into consideration the social environments that promote bias. Ross (cofounder of Udarta Consulting) approaches unconscious bias as a natural cognitive mechanism exhibited by all humans, the remnant of an evolutionary need for survival. However, Ross also acknowledges that bias is driven by the cultural spaces one occupies, and is embedded in social institutions (e.g., legal, health care). In this book Ross uses research from social and medical sciences to support explanations of how unconscious bias is manifested in everyday life. One of the strongest aspects of the book is that its last two chapters are devoted to suggestions for how people can combat expressions of their own individual bias, as well as providing steps that organizations can take to combat bias while making decisions about talent. The appendix expands on organizational solutions by providing more ways to identify and navigate bias in talent management. The text is engaging and addresses a general audience. This is a must read for everyone who wants to learn about bias or is interested in taking the steps (individually or on an organizational level) to combat it. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.

CHOICE