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• Lacks curiosity.

Brain booster

Most people have stereotypes—simplified and generalized views of people from a particular group.
They’re often based on gender, race, religion, or geography. Due to social norms and political
correctness, these tend to lie under the surface and people may not even be aware of them. But they still
influence behavior. The process is automatic and very fast. In neuroscientific terms, making the
connection between a person and a stereotype occurs within 300 milliseconds (less than a typical blink of
an eye) of encountering that person. Because the conscious control is not there, responses can be
prejudiced and socially inappropriate. How do you overcome unconscious prejudice? Recognize there are
more differences within one group than there are between groups. Unlearn the stereotypes. This is called
disassociation. Consider several people from a specific group. Compare each with what you think you
know about that group. Recognize how they are inconsistent with your stereotypical view. Create a new
categorization not based on social demographics. Focus on how people are similar instead of different to
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form a new, favorable perception that will override any underlying prejudice.

Tips to develop Values differences
1. Tend to go with your gut reaction? Check your response. Gut reactions are human nature. They
can range from appreciation, to tolerance, to avoidance. It’s what we do with these reactions that’s
important. They can dictate the direction and nature of our relationships. This direction can be
unproductive. Examine your reactions to different people. Do you show appreciation by valuing their
perspective, talent, or experience? Do you tolerate them because you have to? Or do you avoid them
altogether and completely disengage? Identify the characteristics in others that cause you to react
this way—whether you appreciate, tolerate, or avoid. How are these reactions impacting your
relationships? Work to go beyond your gut responses. Make an effort to seek out additional
information about people you may simply tolerate or perhaps avoid. Ask questions. Go beyond
tolerating. Tolerating is not good enough to create a productive, harmonious work environment.

2. Treat people differently? Examine your biases. Anyone who is living has biases and makes
assumptions. This is part of being human. Biases may be conscious or unconscious. Recognize your
biases and how they impact workplace interactions and judgments. Do you treat one person
differently than another? What is it about that person that causes you to treat them differently? Go
beyond your initial assumptions. Ask questions. Be curious. Surround yourself with people about
whom you have formed preconceived notions. Work with them on teams. Go out to lunch. Get to
know them. Understand them. Look beyond your preconceptions. Find ways to ensure that your
behavior fully supports all of those around you, not just those you are most comfortable with.

3. Tunnel vision? Seek out different perspectives. It’s easy to develop a one-track mind when you’re
working on a challenging project with tight deadlines. You probably go full steam ahead toward
successful completion. You likely seek out your usual go-to people who have helped you in the past
and whom you trust. That’s the way you’ve always done it. This can be limiting. You’re relying on the
same people, same perspectives, same experience. It excludes others and doesn’t give them exciting
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