Unconscious biases that undermine performance and decision-making

An unconscious or cognitive bias is a systematic thinking error that causes us to make poor decisions and judgments, often taking the form of social stereotypes. To make sense of the infinite complexity of the world, our brain has to take short-cuts, like categorizing people into groups with expected traits. The downside is the potential for prejudice which can ultimately lead to unintended racial, gender and other biases. Research shows that we can’t avoid being biased - it’s hard-wired into the human operating system. The solution is to be aware of when biases could be at work and put in place mitigating strategies. We create a safe environment for people to understand and take ownership of their biases. During the session we look at some of the key biases that can lead to poor decision-making impacting your project performance.

• Understand how the major systems in the brain work and can lead to poor decisions and stereotyping
• Combat the corrosive prevalence of negativity, and restore balance
• Become aware of the key touchpoints in your day when you are at the mercy of making bad decisions
• Develop awareness, strategies and habits to mitigate bias to get optimum performance from your team

About Tom

You’re good with your hands…
but your brother is the intelligent one
This is what I was told as a child. Having failed my
11+ exam, and being consigned to being ‘average’, I
am living proof that anyone can be who they want to
be and achieve a destiny beyond their dreams… and
the low expectations of others.
Drawing on ground-breaking neuroscience research
and brain-based coaching methods, I transform the
behaviours of teams and individuals to deliver growth,
engagement and profitability within world-class
companies.
With a Masters in Business Analysis & Systems Design
and as a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and
Management, I combine business acumen with an
intimate knowledge of corporate culture. I am an
accredited brain and behaviour specialist, with over 25
years experience, offering a series of world-renowned
programmes to multi-national organisations,
including HSBC, Louis Vuitton, Emirates, Siemens and
Unilever.
Based on personal experience and sharing real-world
examples, I have a passion for explaining – and
overcoming – the limiting beliefs, fixed mindsets and
biases that thwart the potential of so many.