The Epilog of My Talk at UNG on Unconscious Bias

You may not realize you have unconscious bias.

All of us have unconscious biases affecting the way we react to one another fairly and justly. I’ve witnessed it from time to time and even more so recently. I have had clients throughout the years confronted with biases about a) color b) age or c) ethnicity.

Because I have been talking about issues impacting negatively on ex-offenders, people of color, women, disabled, and other groups, I have garnered more attention. Since speaking to groups treated like 2nd class citizens, my show’s downloads have decreased.

Good. I do not pander to or wander from my goal: to be The Voice of (ALL) Job Seekers.

Don’t over react. Race is a big part of the discussion and doesn’t mean you’re a racist based on recognizing unconscious biases.

I was asked to come to the University of North Georgia to talk about “Unconscious Bias” due to my Facebook postings on diversity and inclusion. I have been studying and noticing how microaggressions (the result of unconscious bias) emasculate job seekers. Many young people (especially of the aforementioned) who are assaulted with hurtful assumptions way before his/her first job interview.

I recorded an excerpt from my talk at the University of North Georgia on unconscious bias. I wish I had a day to bring training to a complete circle, but grateful to introduce the idea of promoting amicable and respectful dialogue around the affect of bias.

Here is the link to the show and notes. You can also subscribe to the podcast on iTunes here.

I am open in talking more about this subject (like all of my articles) offline. If you want to contact me, please call me at 708-365-9822. If you would like for me to present at your organization or college, email me at [email protected]. I will gladly consider facilitating a discussion on this topic in any format you’d like.

by Mark Anthony Dyson

Unconscious Bias: Your Career, Workplace, and Everywhere

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Last week, I traveled to the University of North Georgia to present a talk about “Unconscious Bias.” I recorded it so I can share it with you at least a part of it. I talk about how it affects everyone in their career, life, and workplace.

This is an important topic to me as it affects the job search. In the end, I hope we can create amicable and responsive dialogue to take out bias in the job search process.

As always, I invite you to join the conversation. Here are three ways you can do so:

Call and leave a voicemail at 708-365-9822, or text your comments to the same number
Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com, press “Send Voicemail” button on the right side of your screen.
Send email feedback to [email protected]

Unconscious Bias: Fear of the unknown

During my talk, I discuss how a safe environment to make the unconscious “conscious” was key. I posed the question as a theme how can we have respectful and amicable dialogue during the process. Everyone must feel alright about working through the language of bias and dismantling differences. Since my talk targeted the Student Affairs division and students, much of it was for them. My total talk was approximately an hour and a half.

Need help with your career goals, directions, or efforts? Do you need coaching or instruction? I am here for it!

If you’re in Chicago, you might be interested in my live event on February 12. Tony Chatman is my guest and we will discuss “Unconscious Bias” and how it affects your career. We will also stream it on Facebook Live if you go to The Voice of Job Seekers Facebook page about 2pm CST.

If you want to join me, send me a note. Send it to [email protected] or call 708-365-9822 for more information. You can text me at that the same number and I will respond.

by Mark Anthony Dyson

5 Ways Mentoring Others Add Career Value

Our career paths have many twists and turns. One moment chaos and another, tranquility. It is a reminder of how far we come or fall short.

Experience brings many points of contacts and many places we’ve been. When we began, we didn’t know where to start. For most of us, we have begun a slow learning patience.

Read: 9 Ways to Keep Your Job Net-Working

1. Mentoring energizes

Mentoring others can energize us once we remember the zeal we once employed. Enthusiasm is still a critical attribute whether we’re seeking promotions, raises, or employment. The lack of it is unappealing, and a job candidate who lacks zeal doesn’t have a chance. It is not always an emotion, but it does display the fervor for getting things done.

2. Mentoring is a reminder of the basics

More experience often results in efficiency, but forget how we got there. The reminder of the basics can improve current results. Then when we mentor others, we can bring more value to the relationship. Maybe this could be a valuable start to a blog, training manual or producing a video using the manual.

Listen: How to Use Your Blog for Today’s Job Search

3. Mentoring tests your learning

You may have forgotten more than what your mentee knows. But relevant guidance is critical. It is an opportunity to learn some new tricks from our mentee and sharpen our skills.

We forget that technology from a year ago changes what we did two years ago.

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4. Mentoring creates gratitude deepening relationships

Appreciative mentees will make it known to many how you’ve inspired and developed them. When you’ve written a recommendation on their LinkedIn profile about their greatness is everything. Note how your guidance has transformed and improved a process or achieved something greater. This kind of act will create unmeasurable meaning.

Listen: Be BRAVE! Don’t Let People Should on Your Career!

5. Mentoring creates a serious job candidate– you may hire your mentee

Who else says you can “…become like your teacher but never greater than your master?” Prophets, philosophers, and mentors will say that imitation is the highest form of flattery.

If you mentored them well, they may imitate your spirit and do things like you do.

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Does it get any better when they’re successful too?

Out of everything, we need access what makes us tick. Once we have time to assess the mentoring process, many times we can come away with a renewed love for what we do. Or it can clarify why we need a change in our careers and ensure our decision to change was the right one.