Facing Ourselves First: Recognizing Personal Bias in the Workplace

As a therapist, I often help others explore how their past experiences shape their present behavior. But that same introspection is essential for those of us working in diverse spaces—especially when personal comfort, identity, and unconscious bias come into play.

A colleague recently shared that, during a job interview, a Black male candidate seemed to direct his attention primarily to the Black interviewers on the panel. As a white woman, she felt overlooked and questioned whether her race influenced the interaction.

Her reflection made me pause.

Recognizing Our Own Patterns

As a Black woman, I’ve noticed that in unfamiliar rooms, I instinctively gravitate toward those who look like me. In interviews with other Black women, I’ve felt confident and seen. Those were the interviews where I thrived and often left with job offers.

But I’ve also noticed that when the room doesn’t reflect me, my confidence sometimes wanes. I show up differently—more guarded, less expressive. That subtle shift can shape how others perceive me, and how I engage with them.

Bias Isn’t Just Systemic—It’s Personal

We often talk about bias in systems, but it also shows up in small interactions—eye contact, who we greet first, who we trust. These unconscious choices influence relationships, hiring, and collaboration.

The goal isn’t to eliminate bias entirely—because we’re human—but to recognize when it’s operating and pause long enough to make more intentional choices.

Notice Without Shame, Reflect With Intention

Instead of judging yourself for instinctive reactions, get curious. Ask:

• Who do I connect with most easily—and why?

• When do I hold back? When do I lean in?

• What assumptions am I making based on appearance or identity?

• Where am I seeking comfort, and where am I avoiding discomfort?

Growth Begins With Accountability

When we take the time to reflect, we create space for change. We expand our ability to connect across difference and reduce the likelihood that our biases harm others—whether in hiring, teamwork, or leadership.

We all carry lived experiences that influence how we move through the world. But equity work requires us to move beyond comfort and into conscious choice.