Sunday 10th November 2024

Topics:

• Last week I was totally overwhelmed, hence I missed an episode.
• As we coming to the end of the year, I am working hard to meet many project deadlines.
• This week, I want to explain to you why I believe DEI training is a waste of time.
• It comes off the back of me having to attend compulsory training this week in the company where I work.
• For those that don't know, DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• In principal, this is a noble cause. The idea is to train us not to treat people differently based on their gender, colour, age, or any other attribute.
• We learned about such topics as "covering" when a person covers up aspects of themselves in order to fit in at work, therefore restricting them from bringing their "true self" to work.
• In reality, we all present a professional persona that is different from our true selves.
• To be professional, we must often leave topics at home like personal issues, political beliefs, or any other topics that are likely to upset or annoy our colleagues.
• Basically, we are all "covering" whether we admit it or not.
• Secondly, the reality is we all have bias. Bias is naturally, as it is a survival instinct.
• If our ancestors got attacked by a certain animal type on a regular basis, they became biased against that animal pretty quickly.
• In modern times we are not that different: during an interview process you will be judged, that will often include bias, and yes that is unfair.
• Pretending that bias does not exist is simply that: pretending.
• DEI initiatives while noble in intent, it simply tries to suppress bias rather than remove it.
• You cannot remove it, as it is an innate part of being a human being.
• As a leader, it is much better to acknowledge your bias and to challenge it internally, as bias can create blind spots.
• Reassess you bias on a regular basis: is it still valid, are their decent sample sizes to justify it, or is it all based on your own personal experience that may be flawed?
• Challenge bias, but don't pretend you can remove it completely.
• And remember: others are biased towards you also for all kinds of unfair reasons.
• That is life.
• Media I am enjoying this week:
  • I finally finished Maelstrom by Peter Watts, which is part 2 of his Rifter series.

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techleaderpro-2024-week-45.mp3

File details: 9.6 MB MP3, 6 mins 38 secs duration.

Title music is "Hidden Beyond" by Aiyo, licensed via www.epidemicsound.com

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