Bias, Bullying, and being active bystander in the workplace. I would like some further ideas and suggestions.

1. ABILITY WITH PRIDE:
BIAS, BULLYING, AND
BEING ACTIVE
BYSTANDER
Presented and collected by Francisco Vaca

3. 6 ways to change Workplace Bias
◦ 6 Steps to Changing Bias
◦ Reflect. Spend time reflecting on the biases that you might have—almost everyone holds some form of bias. Think
through how those biases might have been formed and if there is any sound logic or reason to to them.
◦ Confront. Consider why you might be holding onto a bias. Is it because of fear—a preventative measure based on a bad
experience? Is it because of security--a crutch that helps you feel better about yourself? Is it avoidance—a way to dodge
difficult situations with groups you don’t understand or that make you uncomfortable?
◦ Engage. One of the best ways to eliminate a bias is to prove it wrong through personal experience and
engagement. We’re all professionals and we can draw on each other to help improve our workplace. Engage in a
conversation with someone different from yourself. Get to know them as an individual and take note of how they dispel
the biases you might hold.
◦ Commit. Commit to experiencing individuals, not groups. Remember that everyone is a unique individual, not a stereotype
of a group. Make your relationships about the individual, not about group membership.
◦ Maintain. Keep making connections with individuals—embrace each opportunity to meet and experience a new person
and appreciate the differences and unique elements that make that person who they are.
◦ Discuss. Talk about your experiences with bias and with overcoming biases. Encourage others to talk about their
experiences. Use discussion to help point out lingering blind spots and to continue building a bias-free workplace.
◦ http://www.ala.org/advocacy/diversity/workplace/bias

4. Preventing Bullying in the workplace
◦ Define workplace bullying: behavior that involves persistent and ongoing acts of incivility directed
toward an individual or group.
◦ Put policies into place: It may seem as though your organization is “policied” to death, but it is
through these policies that we can set clear expectations about what workplace bullying is, what
workplace bullying isn’t, and what staff can do about it when they see it. Educate your teams on the
subject.
◦ Take a look at your own behavior: Really think about how you engage (or not) in the rumor mill.
How do you speak about groups or individuals in your organization? If someone addresses an issue
with you or a situation where you made them feel uncomfortable, what do you do with that
information?
◦ Call it out: If you see someone engaging in workplace bullying, say something. If you don’t, you’re
giving it permission to continue.
◦ https://www.crisisprevention.com/media/CPI/resources/CPI-s-4-Quick-Tips-for-Managing-Workplace-
Bullying/CPI-s-4-Quick-Tips-for-Managing-Workplace-Bullying

5. Active Bystander
◦ Some simple steps to becoming an Active Bystander:
◦ • Notice the situation: Be aware of your surroundings.
◦ • Interpret it as a problem: Do I recognize that someone needs help?
◦ • Feel responsible to act: See yourself as being part of the solution to help.
◦ • Know what to do: Educate yourself on what to do.
◦ • Intervene safely: Take action but be sure to keep yourself safe.
◦ https://www.unh.edu/sharpp/bystander

6. View discretion is advised:
Youtube video
◦ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZUmUgmc5PE

7. Conclusion and Questions?
Frank Vaca- Vacaafrank@gmail.com
Handouts-
Out of the Blue Poz Magazine
End of the Rainbow
Sexism