November 12, 2024

DEI training is a waste of time (TLP 2024w45)

6 minutes

This week, I want to explain to you why I believe DEI training is a waste of time, as bias is an innate part of being a human being.

Notes:

Last week I was totally overwhelmed, hence I missed an episode.

As we coming to the end of the year, I am working hard to meet many project deadlines.

This week, I want to explain to you why I believe DEI training is a waste of time.

It comes off the back of me having to attend compulsory training this week in the company where I work.

For those that don't know, DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

In principal, this is a noble cause. The idea is to train us not to treat people differently based on their gender, colour, age, or any other attribute.

We learned about such topics as "covering" when a person covers up aspects of themselves in order to fit in at work, therefore restricting them from bringing their "true self" to work.

In reality, we all present a professional persona that is different from our true selves.

To be professional, we must often leave topics at home like personal issues, political beliefs, or any other topics that are likely to upset or annoy our colleagues.

Basically, we are all "covering" whether we admit it or not.

Secondly, the reality is we all have bias. Bias is naturally, as it is a survival instinct.

If our ancestors got attacked by a certain animal type on a regular basis, they became biased against that animal pretty quickly.

In modern times we are not that different: during an interview process you will be judged, that will often include bias, and yes that is unfair.

Pretending that bias does not exist is simply that: pretending.

DEI initiatives while noble in intent, it simply tries to suppress bias rather than remove it.

You cannot remove it, as it is an innate part of being a human being.

As a leader, it is much better to acknowledge your bias and to challenge it internally, as bias can create blind spots.

Reassess you bias on a regular basis: is it still valid, are their decent sample sizes to justify it, or is it all based on your own personal experience that may be flawed?

Challenge bias, but don't pretend you can remove it completely.

And remember: others are biased towards you also for all kinds of unfair reasons.

That is life.

Media I am enjoying this week:

I finally finished Maelstrom by Peter Watts, which is part 2 of his Rifter series.

Notes and subscription links are here: https://techleader.pro/a/666-DEI-training-is-a-waste-of-time-(TLP-2024w45)

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By John Collins