This episode is the second in the Series on Navigating the Male Dominated Fields of Procurement & Supply Chain.
In episode 1 of this series we talked about the different ways unconscious biases can show up in the workplace.
Today we are going to talk about how you can overcome unconscious bias actions and not let it shake your confidence.
As women, we encounter unconscious bias both inside and outside the workplace.
Such actions may stir up many different emotions in you, such as:
- Frustration
- Anger
- Insecurity
How you handle unconscious bias acts in the moment is critical to the perception you leave with others.
I recall having been promoted to my first executive role in Global Procurement at PepsiCo. I was the first woman to join the leadership team on the Direct Materials side.
My role as Global Director meant that I was now the decision maker for the Category. The Category was not one that I had experience in. I was the new comer.
I was thrilled to have “broken the glass ceiling” and was looking forward to attending my first Industry event: a conference comprised of both suppliers and customers.
I will always remember walking into the large ballroom for the kick-off dinner with my name badge prominently displayed, a bit nervous as I didn’t know anyone.
As anticipated, I was one of only a handful of women in the room.
I entered and immediately joined a group and introduced myself to the gentleman on my right.
He looked a bit surprised and commented that he had assumed Shami was a male.” I simply smiled as I had encountered that assumption often over the years.
His next comment however stunned me: “we won’t know how to handle a female!”
I could’ve been rattled; I could’ve reacted sharply, but instead I counted to three, smiled and respectfully responded “I hope you are able to figure it out soon”.
I then turned my attention to others standing in the group.
Taking a 3-second pause helped me to formulate a response that projected confidence
- I didn’t ignore the statement
- I didn’t show my discomfort
- I didn’t go to battle
I did, however, send a clear message in a respectful manner.
It was in that moment that I knew I was on my way to establishing my presence in this male dominated Industry.
It is a natural reaction to let an unconscious bias act impact your confidence. After all, you are human. No one likes to be under-valued.
How you handle it will set you apart
Do you have a tool that can remind you to “pause” before reacting to an unconscious bias encounter?
