Implicit bias is complicated. Our biases are built-in from a very early age, and can be entirely at odds with all of our conscious values. They happen underneath the surface of all of the decisions we make, and even if they aren’t driving us to make the wrong choices, they can cause us to hesitate – to avoid open communication, and to keep people from bringing their best to their work.
Fortunately, science shows us that implicit bias can be interrupted, overcome and if we’re motivated enough completely rebuilt. The first step in the process is understanding of exactly what implicit bias is (and what it isn’t) and how we can overcome its many and complex costs.