To be human is to be biased. From this simple truth, nationally recognized diversity expert Howard J. Ross explores the biases we each carry within us. Incorporating anecdotes from today’s headlines alongside case studies from over 30 years of diversity consulting, Ross helps readers understand how unconscious bias impacts our day-to-day lives and, particularly, our daily work lives. And, he answers the question: “Is there anything we can do about it?” by providing examples of behaviors that the reader can engage in to disengage the impact of their own biases. Originally published in 2014, the updated edition draws new examples from today’s headlines such as the #me too Movement, police shootings, and bias in the ever more partisan Trump era.

"Founder of a diversity consulting company, Ross examines how to identify and overcome unconscious biases in everyday life. He takes up much more than discrimination based on race, gender, national origin, and other protected categories. The author delves into perceptions of Democrats and Republicans toward presidential candidates, patient income with respect to health care, shapes of objects relative to the shapes of objects around them, the George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin criminal case, and homosexuality. Ross lists a wide variety of biases—such as the tendency to anchor on one trait to make decisions and the inclination to make conclusions about a person based on first impressions—and draws on numerous research studies to support his conclusions. He also points to ways to overcome both personal and organizational bias. The former includes accepting uncertainty in life, exploring awkwardness and uncomfortable feelings, and getting feedback from others; the latter, finding patterns of privilege or exclusion of employees, brainstorming, listening to dissenting opinions, and analyzing the quality of information obtained. . . .Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty; professionals; general readers." - CHOICE

"The author explores the many biases that we each carry within us. Most people do not see themselves as biased towards people of different races or different genders. And yet, in virtually every area of modern life, disparities remain. Breakthroughs in the cognitive and neurosciences give some idea why our results seem inconsistent with our intentions. Bias is natural to the human mind, a survival mechanism that is fundamental to our identity. And, overwhelmingly, it is unconscious. Incorporating anecdotes from today’s headlines alongside case studies from over 30 years as a nationally prominent diversity consultant, Ross helps readers understand how unconscious bias impacts our day-to-day lives and particularly our daily work lives. He also provides examples of behaviors that the reader can engage in to disengage the impact of their own biases." - Journal of Consumer Policy

"Howard Ross, a diversity expert, consultant, and founder of Cook-Ross, Inc., writes an in-depth look into the human mind and explores the known and unknown biases that constantly shape our thoughts and actions. . . .I believe this text would be helpful for business students and those who are currently in the workforce. . . .[This book] could be a valuable addition for those interested in the topic of bias and how it is manifested." - The Christian Librarian

"getAbstract recommends Ross's insights to human resource professionals, managers and leaders dealing with a diverse workforce, and to anyone seeking to learn, grow and evolve." - getAbstract