When it comes to conflict resolution, mediation, and negotiation, explicit or implicit biases can significantly impact the outcomes of the process. So, it’s important to recognize and address unconscious bias.

Please check out this post and get insights into bias, unconscious bias, and strategies to address them in mediation and negotiation:

Understanding Bias and Unconscious Bias –

Before understanding strategies, it’s better to learn about the definition of bias and unconscious bias. Generally, bias is the unfair preference or prejudice for or against a person, group, or thing. However, an explicit bias is a conscious attitude that we are aware of, while an unconscious or implicit bias includes stereotypes formed outside our conscious awareness.

Addressing Unconscious Bias and Prejudice in Mediation and Negotiation –

To address unconscious bias and prejudice effectively, mediators should be impartial and free from conflict of interest. But they may unintentionally influence parties through subtle persuasion.

So, mediators need to be self-aware of their impact on the mediation and negotiation process. They must recognize biases and prejudices to foster a fair and unbiased negotiation environment.

Bias Reduction Strategies in Mediation and Negotiation -

Intention –

You should acknowledge and be aware of your own biases. Even if you perceive yourself as unbiased, it’s crucial to be intentional about addressing potential biases.

Attention –

You should monitor your actions and catch yourself reinforcing stereotypes constantly. It’s suggested to engage in thorough anti-bias training and create a clear plan to address biases consciously.

Effort –

You need to involve yourself actively with people from different social groups. It has been observed that exposure to counter-stereotypical examples minimizes implicit bias. If you make an effort to diversify your interactions, it fosters a more inclusive mindset.

Individuals should adopt these bias reduction strategies so that they can intentionally work towards minimizing biases and becoming more open-minded. This intentional effort results in reduced bias and increased productivity, creativity, and a greater accomplishment in the conflict resolution processes.

Final Conclusion –

Acknowledging and addressing implicit biases is necessary to create a fair and effective negotiation and mediation environment. You should be intentional, focusing on reinforcing stereotypes and putting in the effort to diversify social interactions to significantly contribute to a more inclusive and unbiased conflict resolution process.

When you navigate the complexities of negotiations and mediations, you strive for a future where biases are recognized, challenged, and ultimately overcome for the greater good of all involved parties.

Alternatively, you should get help from a professional mediation and negotiation specialist i.e. Mike Gregory for a fair and effective conflict resolution. You can contact Mike directly at (651) 633-5311 or mg@mikegreg.com.