Sondra Thiederman, Ph.D. | Sondra Thiederman, Ph.D.

What Marlon Brando Has to Teach Us About Empathy and Inclusion

People are at once different and alike; different in some ways, alike in others. It’s that unpredictable complexity that makes our diverse workplaces so interesting. Also, within that complexity there lies an opportunity to connect and, in turn, create the… Continue reading →

Bias as Virus: There is a Cure

Author: Sondra Thiederman, Ph.D.

It wasn’t until Covid-19 crept into my life that I realized how much unconscious biases and viruses have in common. Now that both are in the forefront of my brain, the commonalities seem so obvious. Think about it for a… Continue reading →

Let’s Face It: We All Have Biases

Author: Sondra Thiederman, Ph.D.

I’m guilty of bias and probably you are too. That sentence was almost painful to type mostly because of the emotional density of the word “guilty.” After all, you and I and most of the people we know are what… Continue reading →

A Whiff of Diversity Tension

Author: Sondra Thiederman, Ph.D.

We talk a lot about harmonious workplaces. That is, of course, our goal. But, having said that, it turns out that a bit of benevolent tension actually is a good thing. So good in fact that I was tempted initially… Continue reading →

“I’ll See it When I Believe it”: Overcoming Confirmation Bias

Author: Sondra Thiederman, Ph.D.

Take a minute to sit with that title. Its meaning is far more significant than just a play on words. In fact, the sentence particularly interests me because it is directly related to how our biases – our “inflexible beliefs… Continue reading →

Positive Biases – More Dangerous Than You Think

Author: Sondra Thiederman, Ph.D.

What do you think of these statements? 1. “All Latinos are experts in Latino culture.” 2. “All Gay men are artistic.” 3. “All women are naturally nurturing.” 4. “All Asians are good at math.” 5. “All black men are athletic.”… Continue reading →

Aversive Bias: I Don’t Hate You, but You Sure Make Me Uncomfortable

Author: Sondra Thiederman, Ph.D.

How important, really, is it that vegetables be arranged by color, cereal boxes stacked perfectly on the shelves, or soft drinks arranged by size as opposed to brand? These elements might not seem particularly important to the rest of us,… Continue reading →

The Pyramid Principle: How to Achieve Successful Dialogue About Bias

Author: Sondra Thiederman, Ph.D.

I remember some years ago sitting in my hotel room in Cairo, feet up on the sill, gazing out the window at one of the most amazing sights on the planet: the Great Pyramid of Cheops. Looming in the mist,… Continue reading →

Are You Willing to Change Your Mind?

Author: Sondra Thiederman, Ph.D.

I really do like being right – most people do. For my two cents, that’s OK; being right about something feels good, it gives us confidence, and is great for our egos. Being wrong, on the other hand, can leave… Continue reading →

Boo! Bias as Magical Thinking

Author: Sondra Thiederman, Ph.D.

Yesterday was Halloween – not my favorite holiday – too much candy, too many costumed enthusiasts knocking on my door. On the other hand, it is an interesting holiday. Interesting, not only because it is rooted in history, but also… Continue reading →

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