by
Glenn Hickling
|
December 2025
It’s usually triggered by our brain automatically making quick judgements and assessments. Unconscious bias is influenced by culture, background, past experiences, friends, and influential sources among other factors. In most cases, neutral pathways are formed and influence our perception of the world. All of us are affected by unconscious bias in one way or another. If we are to do our jobs properly and observe the imperatives of TCF then we must be aware of the effects thereof.
What triggers unconscious bias
Your physical or emotional state can trigger the operation of unconscious bias. Other triggers include workload pressure, timelines and complex material. Unconscious bias interferes with how we listen, accept advice, analyse, and conduct research. Our willingness to change, who we trust or believe, and our decision making.
When interacting with your clients and co-workers, it’s important to be aware of what you’re thinking and feeling and that you remind yourself to be fair and objective. At BrightRock, we put clear policies and guidelines in place to support us in the work we do and help combat biased decision-making, but we have to stay vigilant.
The types of unconscious bias
Here are just some examples of the different kinds of unconscious bias – there are many more:
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Affinity bias: This is also known as ‘similarity-attraction’, where we may give preference to people who are similar to ourselves;
Confirmation bias: This is when we look for pieces of information that confirm or support our existing views and ignore any information that contradicts our views;
Performance bias: Often, we tend to overestimate the abilities and performance of people from high-status groups, while underestimating the abilities of people from low-status groups. For example, we may unconsciously believe that people who grew up in a wealthier neighbourhood are more talented and capable than people who grew up in an impoverished area;
Affect heuristic: Heuristic or mental shortcuts happen when people are under pressure to make a decision and rely on emotion to evaluate a situation rather than objective information;
Status quo bias: This is when a person maintains their current situation and opposing actions that may change the state of affairs;
What you can do to mitigate unconscious bias
The most important way to mitigate unconscious bias is through awareness and vigilance. Be aware of your surroundings, your background, your mood and take perspective. When it’s time to make a decision, slow down, take perspective, avoid triggers and most importantly, listen. It is what TCF demands of you!