Biases can result in delayed reaction time on a test or poor performance even in a simple quiz. Most importantly, they also damage our ability to make good decisions. A McKinsey initiative that focuses on leadership development helps aspiring leaders to see how their thinking is shaped by unconscious forces. They also learn how they can overcome these forces.
Biases are a real threat
When the author of an article on the McKinsey.com website finished her dissertation, a McKinsey partner asked her where she wanted to be in 10 years time. She chose not to stay in the lab but to broaden her horizons and influence decision-makers. She wanted truly to impact the way people think and act in their fields. That is exactly what she is doing today.
It has been demonstrated repeatedly how biases lead to sub-optimal decisions that are indeed far removed from the perfectly rational choices economists expect us to make. Unconscious bias can be measured: researchers use implicit association testing, for example. And it can also be countered. If we are successful, then better results will be achieved.
There are many myths - but also some good news
Mindsets, beliefs and behaviours sometimes constrain our personal growth, ability to learn and job performance. Often the culprits are bad journalists, who spread misconceptions and inaccuracies about how the brain works. Neuroscience is now disproving many of these previously accepted beliefs. Have you been told, for example, that you’re either right- or left-brained? But in fact you aren’t. Nor are you using only 10% of your brain capacity.
The latest research suggests that our brain is infinitely capable of learning in many ways if we adopt positive reinforcement, focus and a growth mindset. This is something we can handle, no matter what life brings us.
-jk-