Respond to Bias with an “I” Statement

How should you respond when you notice bias in the workplace? “I” statements offer a new lens to help everyone involved understand what’s happening. 

An “I” statement is a generous response to someone else’s unconscious bias; it helps them learn, inviting the person to understand your perspective without calling them out. “I” statements push the person to notice their mistake and consider things from your point of view. 

Bias: Not Meaning It 

Respond with an “I” Statement

“I” statements can be as easy as simple factual correction. “I am not the decider here, she is.” or “I don’t work here.” work well when race or gender-based false assumptions are made about a person’s role in an organization. 

In a case where a person has said something insensitive, it is important to explain how it landed for you. “I don’t think calling her ‘honey’ sounds quite right.” “I am not sure why you think I am angry; I am not even raising my voice.”

“I” statements also reveal if you’re handling bias or something worse. When people apologize, it confirms unconscious bias. But if they double down or attack, you know you’re dealing with prejudice or bullying. 

To get some perspective on bias in the workplace and how to handle it, Wesley Faulkner and I discuss this passage with our guest Russ Laraway. You can hear it wherever you like to get your podcasts, or here:  https://www.justworktogether.com/podcast-season-2