Seeing Unconscious Bias Everywhere: Once You Notice, You Can't Unsee It

Lately, the news seems dominated by stories about Trump and Kamala Harris, but I stumbled upon an intriguing observation:

We tend to refer to successful men by their last names, while successful women are often called by their full names.

Once you notice it, it’s impossible to ignore. From scientists to literary legends, some of history's most famous icons are known simply by their last names – but mostly the men.

Society has ingrained the notion that using just a surname conveys power and respect… So why does this unconsciously not extend to women?

This got me thinking – without diving too deep into gender dynamics in business (because who has all day?), here are a few instances where I've personally encountered unconscious bias. Spoiler alert: these aren't unique.

Buying My First Car:

When I bought my first car, I brought my mum along because I enjoy her company. The salesperson assumed she was paying for it. When I clarified it was my purchase, he suddenly became a lot less interested and commented on my ability to afford a new Citroën DS3… Not a Ferrari.

Being a Homeowner:

As a homeowner, tradesmen often assume that decisions about my property need to be deferred to my partner… (cue me looking around in confusion while I was single). I even heard comments of disbelief from a friend of a friend that I’d managed to buy a house at 24. I had a good job, would you say the same to a man?

Professional Life:

In my professional life, suppliers occasionally skip over me as the decision-maker, opting instead to communicate with my boss, who then redirects them back to me.

Another example I’ve heard firsthand is the failure to recognize that women can hold power and do amazing jobs. Once, someone claimed that J.K. Rowling couldn’t have possibly had the imagination to create Harry Potter but didn’t have the same opinion of J.R.R. Tolkien for Lord of the Rings. 🙄

These examples aren't overtly harmful or things that keep me awake at night, but with unconscious biases, that's sometimes the issue—it’s not always glaring and in your face. They highlight unconscious prejudices against women, particularly young women, in decision-making.

How Do We Tackle This?

While it's tempting to correct every instance of bias we encounter, it can be exhausting and counterproductive. Instead, pick your battles. Focus on situations where your input can make a significant impact and where the person you're correcting is open to feedback. Sometimes, in a group setting, people will make a sexist comment and friends will jokingly look to me to see if I'll bite. In these cases, it’s important to gauge whether addressing the comment will lead to a constructive conversation or just escalate tensions. Again, its only worth your breath where the person you're correcting is open to feedback.

Tips and Advice for Young Women:

1. Remember Your Voice: Speak up in meetings, assert your decisions, and don't be afraid to correct misconceptions about your capabilities.

2. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with allies who understand and support your ambitions.

3. Stay Educated: Keep informed about gender dynamics and bias. Knowledge is power, and it can help you navigate challenging situations more effectively.

Feel free to share your own experiences and let's keep this conversation going!