10 actionable strategies to help keep your assumptions in check.
Unconscious bias refers to the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions and decisions. These biases are often automatic and unintentional, influencing how we perceive and interact with others based on characteristics such as race, gender or age.
This can lead to inaccurate or unfair assumptions and judgments which could impact hiring practices, performance evaluations and social interactions. Recognizing and addressing unconscious bias involves increasing awareness and implementing strategies to mitigate this, such as training, reflection and promoting diversity and inclusion.
We live these daily without realizing it. The security guard is a man, reconfirming that men are strong; the receptionist is a woman, reconfirming that woman are kinder, gentler and able to assist you. These might not seem like important things, but even simple assumptions can lead us into judgments that negatively affect our businesses and opportunities.
Challenging yourself to look at opportunities with a fresh perspective can stimulate creativity and innovation. Here are some strategies to consider.
1 / Seek Diverse Perspectives
Engage with people from different backgrounds, cultures and experiences. They can offer insights and viewpoints that you might not have considered. This is particularly useful when looking to work with younger generations.
2 / Change Your Environment
Altering your physical workspace or visiting new places can help inspire fresh thinking, unlocking new ideas. When I am writing, I always put myself in a fresh situation to challenge myself and my perspective.
3 / Practice Mindfulness
Take time to reflect and be present. Mindfulness can help you clear away preconceptions and view opportunities more openly.
4 / Ask Questions
Challenge the status quo by asking “what if” questions. For example, “What if I approached this problem differently?” or “What if resources were unlimited?”
5 / Limit Assumptions
Write down your assumptions about a specific opportunity. Then, critically evaluate each assumption and consider alternative viewpoints.
6 / Try New Experiences
Step out of your comfort zone with new activities or hobbies. If you can do something that makes you feel a little uncomfortable every day, then you are opening yourself up to huge opportunities.
7 / Set a Time for Ideation
Allocate specific time for brainstorming without judgment. Write down all ideas—no matter how unconventional—and review them later. This is a great team exercise and one we do frequently at the UK Direct Selling Association.
8 / Engage in Continuous Learning
Read books, attend workshops or take courses in areas outside your expertise. Learning new things can often prompt fresh insights.
9 / Reflect on Past Experiences
Consider previous times when you may have approached opportunities differently and how that affected the outcomes. Applying those lessons can offer a new lens for future opportunities.
10 / Collaborate
Work with others on projects or ideas. Collaboration can lead to new concepts and solutions that you might not develop alone.
By consciously applying these strategies, you can train yourself to approach opportunities with openness and creativity, viewing them from various angles. This in turn helps you grow as a leader.
What Does Good Leadership Really Look Like?
It’s easy as a leader to understand your vision, but a good leader not only has a clear vision for the future but can articulate it in a way that motivates others to work towards it.
Understanding and valuing the perspectives and feelings of others fosters a supportive environment where team members feel heard and respected. Empathy is so vital when building an effort-based business.
Effective leaders communicate openly and transparently, ensuring that team members understand their roles, expectations and overall objectives. Here are a few universal traits that all visionary leaders exhibit.
- Integrity
Good leaders demonstrate honesty and ethical behavior, building trust within their teams and with stakeholders. I am a firm believer that if you live your life with honesty, loyalty and integrity as your core values then you can sleep well at night.
- Decisiveness
The ability to make informed decisions promptly—even in challenging situations—is crucial for maintaining momentum and direction. My father always said, “Procrastination is the thief of all time.” Focus, decide, act. It is better to fall forward and fail fast, then to wait until it’s too late to change.
- Adaptability
A strong leader is flexible and open to change, able to pivot strategies as necessary in response to new information or circumstances.
- Empowerment
Good leaders empower their teams by delegating responsibilities, encouraging autonomy and providing opportunities for growth and development. You will be truly astounded how individuals rise to the occasion when they feel empowered.
- Accountability
Leaders take responsibility for their actions and decisions, fostering a culture of accountability within the team.
- Vision
Effective leaders inspire others through their passion, commitment and enthusiasm, creating a positive and motivating work environment.
- Collaboration
Good leadership recognizes that diverse perspectives and skills contribute to better outcomes. Leaders seek advice, listen and learn, so that the team can always succeed—together.
SUSANNAH SCHOFIELD OBE is the Director General of the Direct Selling Association UK, an industry which is worth over £1billion. Prior to her appointment as leader of the DSA, Susannah spent 18 years at Royal Mail, culminating in her holding the Board-level role of Commercial & Innovation Director, where she led a team of over 800 people. A passionate advocate for women and young people in business, Susannah was awarded an OBE for her work in this area in the 2015 New Year’s Honours List.
From the March/April 2025 issue of Direct Selling News magazine.
