Unconscious bias = Hidden biases influencing our perception and actions

Unconscious beliefs and attitudes are associated with the language we use and certain behaviours such as eye contact, blinking rates and smiles so, listen carefully for the words and language your client uses and watch your client when telling you their conflict story in mediation, in order to identify the following;

• The perceptions and limiting beliefs they might hold about themselves, others and the circumstances they find themselves in.
• The emotional states linked to different parts of the conflict narrative

Conscious attitudes and beliefs can of course change. Therefore, if people are made aware of their biases, they can monitor and attempt to ameliorate hidden attitudes before they are expressed through behaviour.

This compensation can include how, for example, they approach the task of listening and sharing of ideas and options when problem solving together.

Many studies have shown that when people work together in a structured environment (Mediation) with the right facilitator, to solve shared problems, their attitudes/mindsets/schemas can change dramatically resulting in them solving previously insurmountable problems together because they understand why they are there,  which provides a focus for their thinking, enhancing their self awareness, open-mindedness and objectivity.

The very act of discovering and understanding one’s hidden biases can motivate and propel want act to correct it.

This is where the facilitator’s role can be extremely powerful and influential. Make your client’s aware of what you see and hear so that they can choose to make the changes necessary to trigger reciprocal behaviours and lead to co-operation, collaboration and mutual solutions.