What’s the DEIL?

Bias happens everywhere, especially at work. And often, it shows up long before anyone realizes there’s a problem. In this episode of What’s the DEIL?, Shanté and Natalie dig into how bias, particularly unconscious or implicit bias, quietly shapes the workplace experience. Whether it’s small assumptions about who takes notes in meetings, who gets certain assignments, or how people’s communication styles are perceived, these “little” moments can snowball into big workplace issues, complaints, and even legal risk. Here’s What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ What bias really is (hint: everyone has it—yes, even you) ✔️ The difference between conscious and unconscious bias ✔️ Why our brains build shortcuts and how they can reinforce stereotypes ✔️ How everyday behaviors, like questioning someone’s expertise or making assumptions based on appearance, can erode trust and fuel resentment ✔️ Real-life examples from investigations where unchecked bias created workplace conflict ✔️ The connection between mindfulness and inclusive leadership ✔️ Why curiosity (not defensiveness) is the antidote to bias ✔️ Simple, practical steps for leaders to disrupt bias before it leads to complaints or deeper organizational issues Workplace Bias: More Than Just Hurt Feelings Bias isn’t always about blatant discrimination; it often shows up as: Who gets visible, high-value projectsHow feedback is given (and to whom)Who feels included versus who feels othered Left unchecked, these moments chip away at morale, damage psychological safety, and, in some cases, open the door to formal complaints or investigations. The Leadership Wake-Up Call The hosts break down how mindful leaders can spot bias patterns early by: ✔️ Paying attention to who speaks, who gets overlooked, and who takes on invisible labor ✔️ Switching up routines to ensure equity in meetings and assignments ✔️ Avoiding lazy connections based on personal identity—build rapport in meaningful ways The Bottom Line? Bias is normal, but ignoring it is where workplaces fall apart. Leaders can’t afford to operate on autopilot. It takes self-awareness, curiosity, and intentional action to prevent small biases from becoming big problems. Whether you’re a new manager, seasoned executive, or DEI champion, this episode offers practical tools to create a more inclusive, equitable workplace before it escalates to formal complaints or investigations. Follow & Connect with us: Follow Natalie Norfus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienorfus/. Follow Shante Gordon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantegordon/. We’ve led hundreds of audits, assessments, and people strategy engagements, and we’d love to help your organization. Book a consultation with The Norfus Firm: https://thenorfusfirm.com/. Follow What’s the DEIL on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsthedeil/. Follow What’s the DEIL on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatsthedeil. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.