Bias, predjudice, and bullying - what’s the difference?
There is a difference.
📍Bias is “not meaning it.” Bias is unconscious, jumps out from the part of our minds inhabited by stereotypes that we don’t believe if we stop to think.
📍Prejudice is “meaning it.” It is consciously held belief, often rationalizing flawed assumptions and stereotypes.
📍Bullying is “being mean.” It is the instinctive use of status or power to harm, humiliate, dominate, or coerce others.
All three are serious problems — but they require different responses:
⛔️To address bias, use an "I" statement:“I don’t think you take me seriously when you call me ‘honey’.”
⛔️To address prejudice, use an "it" statement:“It is ridiculous — and unlawful — to refuse to hire the most qualified candidate because of their hairstyle.”
⛔️To address bullying, use a "you" statement:“You need to stop talking to me that way.”
In “Radical Respect” Kim Scott tells more on how to fight discrimination and harrassment, and how to reinforce the culture of consent as a leader.
📍Bias is “not meaning it.” Bias is unconscious, jumps out from the part of our minds inhabited by stereotypes that we don’t believe if we stop to think.
📍Prejudice is “meaning it.” It is consciously held belief, often rationalizing flawed assumptions and stereotypes.
📍Bullying is “being mean.” It is the instinctive use of status or power to harm, humiliate, dominate, or coerce others.
All three are serious problems — but they require different responses:
⛔️To address bias, use an "I" statement:“I don’t think you take me seriously when you call me ‘honey’.”
⛔️To address prejudice, use an "it" statement:“It is ridiculous — and unlawful — to refuse to hire the most qualified candidate because of their hairstyle.”
⛔️To address bullying, use a "you" statement:“You need to stop talking to me that way.”
In “Radical Respect” Kim Scott tells more on how to fight discrimination and harrassment, and how to reinforce the culture of consent as a leader.