Let's explore an exercise designed to help you and your team identify subconscious in-group bias. This bias refers to our tendency to favor people who are similar to us, even if we are not consciously aware of it. The exercise is simple and can be done privately.

Steps to Perform the Exercise

1. Prepare a Piece of Paper: On a piece of paper, privately write down the names or initials of six people you trust. These should be individuals you genuinely trust and who are not family members.
2. List Characteristics: On the left side of the paper, list the names or initials of the six people. On the right side, create columns for different characteristics such as:
3. Check for Matches: For each person, put a check mark in the corresponding column if they share that characteristic with you. For example, if a person has the same hair color as you, put a check mark in the hair color column.

Analyzing the Results

• Identify Patterns: Look at the check marks to see if there are patterns. Do most of the people you trust share similar characteristics with you?
• Reflect on Bias: Consider the implications of these patterns. Are you more likely to trust people who are similar to you in certain ways?

Importance of the Exercise

This exercise helps uncover the extent to which we may be biased in trusting people who are like us. Such biases can influence various aspects of our professional and personal lives, including:

• Whom we associate with at work
• Whom we trust at work
• From whom we take advice
• Whom we mentor
• Whom we promote

Conclusion

By identifying these biases, we can work towards expanding our circle of trust to include a more diverse range of individuals. This can lead to more inclusive and equitable environments both in the workplace and in our personal lives.

Take some time to perform this exercise and reflect on the results. Share the exercise with your team to help them uncover their own subconscious biases and work towards a more inclusive mindset.