We are all biased. Every single one of us. When we accept that we are biased, it has less power over us. I’ve discussed bias many times in the past. For this week the point is to explore when our bias colours what we think the world should be. Moreover, bias blinds us. Furthermore, when we have a limited understanding of our bias, it controls our thinking. Actually, unexamined bias controls our beliefs, impacts our  reality and determines how effective we are.

One way we can pay attention to the impact of our bias during a pandemic is to notice how we tend to become more nationalistic during times such as these. An in-group mindset or preference is characteristic of bias.  Interestingly, while bias may be largely unconscious it becomes far more obvious during a crisis. It also can do much more damage.

I want to share a couple of things we can all attempt to do during this very strange time of a pandemic in the hope we will find ways to transfer our learning into positive post-pandemic experiences. First, we benefit when we regularly check in on our own thinking. We can all notice our reaction to others and become more curious about it and start asking questions to understand and slow down our judgment. Secondly, make a point to be an ally to a group that is not aligned with your interests. During this pandemic I have made a point of hearing every piece of news and governmental policy or response through the eyes of front line workers in care homes. I have never done that work and realize we haven’t “seen” them clearly in the past. Thirdly, seek to find common ground. It is easy to separate, that feeds bias. See to find similarities of experience and our biased views may be expressed differently.

Privilege is a dirty word. I understand how loaded it is. I have privilege. Not as much as some in this world and a whole lot more than most. We can’t see what ought to be when we can’t see our own place in the world. It is very easy to want more. It’s common for us to compare our self to those doing better than we are. At least we presume others are doing better. I’ve learned not to base it on appearances. That can be misleading. Regardless, we need to get out of the comparison mode and think collaborate and community first.

A pandemic is quick to teach us how dependent we are on each other. It has been fascinating to watch our politicians, regardless of party, working together and expressing gratitude for the support of their counterparts in different jurisdictions or levels of government. Rather than seeking greater privilege, we may learn through this experience how our very survival and way of life is tied more to developing greater equity. When we compete we make it a zero-sum game. In fact there is enough for each of us to live a good life we we could simply drop the need to feed our egos and compete to be top dog. I know some are going to say competition that breeds privilege generates innovation. I think that’s an old story told by those with too much privilege.

Don’t loose site of the fact that those of us who have time to reflect during this pandemic are already highly privileged. It is up to us to own that privilege and use the time to consider what ought to be.

What Ought to Be is a Perspective

Perspective is an interesting topic that I’ve discussed before. Recently I’ve worked really hard to re-frame my perspective. How we choose to look at a situation, colours what we see and therefore, what we do with what we see. This is a great opportunity to clean up the frames we are using. Dust them off a bit and refresh them so we can see anew.

I know there will be wonderful new innovations and ideas and choices available to us all when this has run-its-course. What we chose and what we fund, together and separately, will determine the world we create moving forward.

We will benefit from using this time to explore the frames. We may bring the world something new and inspiring as a result. The point is to step away from what has been to consider how to look at the world differently and consider what ought to be from a fresh perspective.

I, for one, want this painful experience to count for something. It mean something. Not for those who seek to take advantage of others but for the whole of humanity. Whether that is possible or not, is up to each and every one of us.

Life is one big Experiment

The underlying point, again this week, emphasizes the benefit of approaching life as an experiment. When we take responsibility for monitoring our bias, checking our privilege and choosing a meaningful perspective we are part of the change the world needs to see.  Furthermore, this experience may guide us to more closely monitor the impact of our choices, decisions and ability to adjust our actions to our current situation. Then, we may influence how things unfold. There’s a difference between wanting something and making something happen. With the mindset necessary to perform under pressure we are able to influence results more deeply. This mindset that relies on clarity, curiosity and a resilient spirit we accept no excuses, only results. Furthermore, it’s essential we have a system to evaluate the risk of any action, removing the very human emotions that cloud our judgment. Walk with me. Together let’s examine options consciously and authentically to make choices that move us strategically toward where we want to be. Strategy is a about choices. Execution on these choices requires masterful performance. Furthermore, a well developed process allows us to enjoy the journey far more fully.  

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Banking Your Impact (BYI) 

The Bank Your Impact (BYI) System is about both developing and embedding self-awareness. Furthermore, the benefits of expanded resilience, connections built on understanding the impact of belonging and an ability to bolster a professional and authentic presence are foundational. Perhaps more than the other two, developing a foundational resilience is critical to with standing that which moves us into burnout.

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