Empathetic Leadership: How to Spot and Stop Everyday Bias
Our brains are powerful, but they are also designed to save energy. Because our brains are so big, they use a lot of energy to think. To avoid using too much energy, the brain often takes shortcuts – using quick “rules of thumb” to make decisions.
In the past, this was helpful. For example, in hunter-gatherer times, thinking “tiger = danger” was essential for survival. But in today’s world, this shortcut-thinking can lead to unfair stereotypes and bias, especially when we don’t even realise we are doing it.
Leadership Speaker Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller explains how these mental shortcuts happen – and how leaders can catch bias before it harms teamwork and decision-making.
How Bias is Formed (in 4 Simple Steps)
1. Compression – We oversimplify.
We look at a person and, instead of seeing their full complexity, we “compress” them into a stereotype.
Example:
- “All boomers aren’t good with technology.”
- “All Gen Z are lazy and glued to their phones.”
2. Amplification – We blow things out of proportion.
The trait we notice becomes bigger and more important than it really is.
Example: “Gen Z are always on their phones,” when that’s not true for everyone.
3. Discrimination – We start favouring one group over another.
Discrimination means choosing one thing over another. While this is fine for food (“I prefer apples to oranges”), it becomes harmful when applied to people.
4. Fossilisation – We lock our views in place.
Over time, we start to believe that everyone in that group is the same. These beliefs become “set in stone,” and we stop seeing people as individuals.
Why Our Brains Do This
This process is just the brain’s way of saving energy – like putting thinking on “autopilot.” But in modern life, these shortcuts often lead to unfair decisions or assumptions. The most damaging thing is when this happens without us even realising.
Melissa says we don’t need to feel bad about having these biases (it’s a natural brain function that’s designed to conserve time and energy) – we just need to spot them and stop them when they are damaging. Here’s how:
1. Pause and Notice
When you make a judgment about someone, ask yourself:
- “Am I making this decision based on facts or assumptions?”
- “Am I treating this person like a stereotype rather than as an individual?”
2. Ask Two Simple Questions
When you feel bias creeping in, pause and ask:
- Is this true? (Is there real evidence?)
- Is this useful? (Will this thinking help me make a fair decision?)
3. Get to Know Your Team
Bias often comes from not knowing people well enough. Spend time talking to your team, listening to their experiences, and seeing them as individuals rather than categories.
The Takeaway
Bias is natural – it’s just your brain trying to save energy. But leaders who can spot and challenge bias create stronger, more inclusive, and fairer teams. A simple pause to question your assumptions can make a big difference.
Want to help your team build better connections and overcome bias?
Book Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller for keynotes and workshops on empathetic leadership and emotional intelligence.
