Blog

The relationship between managers and their direct reports has undergone severe stress testing over the past two years. Unfortunately, most managers have received little or no training in people management – let alone in remote people management.

Unfortunately, one of the consequences of remote work is that people feel a loss
of connection. Although scheduled Zoom meetings and weekly touch-base calls are routine, there are often fewer opportunities for personal interaction between managers and employees in a virtual work environment.

Whether we want to admit it or not, we are all filled with biases. And, it has long been known that the hiring process is biased and unfair. Unconscious racism, ageism, and sexism play a significant role in whom gets hired.

Job interviews are an occasion for employers and employees to evaluate the expectations they both have. While candidates should prepare to answer questions about their skills and performance, they should, in return, prepare a series of questions for the employer. It shows interest in the opportunity and will help determine if the role of interest resides in a quality work environment.

Managers find making unbiased decisions one of the most challenging parts of their job. As leaders, they must set an example, and being aware of their preconceived ideas sometimes comes as an unexpected roadblock. Although many of us think we are objective and inclusive; we don’t realize that we gravitate towards groups or individuals who share the same ideas. This affects the workplace culture, resulting in uniform environments that make gaining awareness of our biases troublesome.