8th March 2018 JUMP Forum Brussels The myth of merit and unconscious bias WWW.JUMP.EU.COM
PRACTICAL INFORMATION jump.brussels #JUMP2018 @JumpEquality Please put your mobile on silent Thank you! 2
Maija Van Langendonck Snr Associate Pluribus Jean-Michel Monnot Founder, All Inclusive! 3
What are we talking about? Meritocracy defined What s the big deal? If not this then what? What to take home What we will cover today The myth of merit and unconscious bias: What s wrong with merit, why equal treatment does not (always) reward the most deserving 4
What are we talking about? I JUST WANT TO BE TREATED AS AN INDIVIDUAL DO NOT SINGLE ME OUT I JUST WANT TO BE TREATED THE SAME I BELIEVE THAT EFFORT AND HARD WORK WILL BE REWARDED I JUST WANT TO HAVE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY 5
How would you define meritocracy? 6
Meritocracy defined The person who demonstrates the highest aptitude for a job should be selected regardless of any other factors Assessing people on criteria predicting performance An elite group of people whose progress is based on ability and talent rather than on class privilege or wealth <http://www.dictionary.com/browse/meritoc racy rule by persons chosen not because of birth or wealth, but for their superior talents or intellect <http://www.diction ary.com/browse/me ritocracy 7
Meritocracy defined In simple terms it is the fact of being promoted / given opportunities basis Merit You have earned it Are considered the best candidate 8
Equal treatment or inclusion?
What s the big deal? Life is Fair.. so meritocracy will prevail 10
What s the big deal? To achieve true equality, we must first achieve equity. And to achieve equity, we must address the things that make minorities in our industry feel unwelcome or unable to start. (jtolds.com) 11
What s the big deal? Equality is the idea that everyone is given the same opportunity. From <https://medium.com/@cathy_67575/the-fallacyof-meritocracy-d8260f5f0611 Equity is the idea that everyone is given a fair chance at the same opportunity, not necessarily equal. So for those who know basic history, I think we can all agree that women and minorities did not begin the race at the same starting line as white men 12
What s the big deal? Meritocracy? Or mirror-cracy*? Like begets like We hire, fund and promote based on what is familiar to us, what we understand, what looks like us *Adam Quinton, CEO Lucas Point Ventures 13
What s the big deal? 14
What s the big deal? Good practice To provide equality of opportunity, it is often necessary to treat people differently 15
Bias? Your definition of a bias? Interne Orange
Who.?
Framing and perspective
The ladder of inference
Anne speaks little A story in the elevator
We all have biaises, no need to feel guilty Learn to look at yourself, to self evaluate with humility Learn Give and receive constructive feedback Accept Limit our biases Pause Use the ladder of inference: «freedom is the ability to pause between stimulus and reaction» (Rollo May, psychologist) Look for differences, to get closer Give and receive search Dig in Digging up the messy sides
TAKEAWAYS Meritocraty is definitely a myth Waiting for recognition of your merit may be long, very long We all have stereotypes and biases : you too!!! You cannot eliminate biases, but you can learn how to deal with them 26
8th March 2018 JUMP Forum Brussels Thank you for your attention jump.brussels #JUMP2018 @JumpEquality WWW.JUMP.EU.COM 27
The JUMP Academy, workshops to build gender equality, drive your diversity networks and boost your career Customised workshops tailored to your company s specific needs, for both women and men, women only and men only: Train your managers in gender equality Drive your diversity network Boost your female talent pool A team of 60 multi-lingual trainers all over Europe If you re interested our workshops, please contact us: Alazne Irigoien - Project Manager Christine Cecil Mail: alazne.irigoien@jump.eu.com Mail: christine.cecil@jump.eu.com Tel: +32 (0)2 346 38 00 Mob: +32 496 296 449 28