Academy · DEI · BREAKING BIAS
Within seconds we form a judgement about a new colleague. That is not unprofessional — that is how the brain works. This programme gives participants the insight and the concrete instruments to break those automatic patterns where it counts most.
WHAT YOU GAIN
Participants recognise the most common cognitive biases in their own decisions and processes
Organisations design structures that systematically reduce the impact of bias
eams build a shared language around bias — and the psychological safety to use it
THE CORE PROBLEM
Our brains evolved to judge quickly, not to judge accurately or inclusively. These automatic thinking patterns — biases and stereotypes — conserve cognitive energy, but also drive behaviour in directions we would not consciously choose. We seek confirmation, avoid difference and trust people who resemble us.
In professional contexts this has direct consequences: people are assessed differently on irrelevant characteristics, diverse teams fail to realise their potential, and decisions feel objective but frequently are not.
Affinity bias — preference for people who resemble us — in background, style or thinking patterns
Confirmation bias — we seek information that confirms what we already believe and disregard what contradicts it
Attribution bias — successes of in-group members are attributed to competence, failures to bad luck — and vice versa for others
Intersectionality — bias compounds when multiple identity characteristics coincide
01 - Recognise
Identifying bias in thinking and context
Participants explore the most common cognitive biases through concrete organisational examples — not as abstract psychology, but as recognisable patterns in their own daily practice.
02 — Name
Building a shared language
We build the vocabulary and psychological safety needed to make bias discussable — even when it is uncomfortable or challenges the hierarchy.
03 — Design
Structures that systematically reduce bias
Participants design concrete interventions in processes, decision points and communication — so that countering bias is structurally embedded, not dependent on individual vigilance.
"What can we do about bias? A lot. But only if we stop pretending we don't have any."
- Smithsonian (The Bias Inside Us)
⏱ 1 day or modular (workshop in 3 hours as well) I 👥 Leaders · HR · Change agents · All employees I 🏢 In-company or virtual I 📐 Tailored to your context I 🌐 NL, EN & FR
RELATED
ACADEMY · DEI
Bias in everyday interactions - the module that works at the behavioural level of the workplace.
ACADEMY - TALENT
Breaking bias in practice - removing bias from the selection process in one of the highest-impact applications.
A short exploratory conversation is usually the best starting point.
"A very engaging session of the effects of unconscious bias. Even in a large group the trainer manages to get participants to share their personal experiences with stereotypical thinking."
Adel Mouchalleh, Expert Communication, VDAB East-Flanders
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