What to do when you encounter bias

- Stereotypes like the bossy lady, the uptight one, the emotional lady, the angry woman, I've heard it all and maybe you have too. Yes, we can be bossy, but that's part of being a boss. So what do you do when you encounter gender bias? In this lesson, I want to give you encouragement and insight into how you can respond to stereotypes and misconceptions. First and foremost, remember to stay the course. Don't let condescending and hurtful language distract you from your goals and mission. Respond to negative language by taking the right action. To take action, first calmly let the person know how their words or action make you feel, but only if you're comfortable doing so. Have a conversation with that person and calmly explain to them about why and how their actions affected you. Come to an understanding. You may find that you can change their minds and learn something useful about your leadership style in the process. If you're not comfortable having that conversation, or the last time it didn't work out well, skip to the second step, seek out support and advice from someone who is safe, supportive, and has a sound mind. I suggest going to someone with influence or authority, like an HR representative or your company's CEO or owner.. Ask them to step in and mediate. If the owner is you, you have to make a judgment call, which may require you to seek legal help. And last, and this is not easy, if the problem persists, it might be time to admit that where you are may not be the right fit anymore. Look, you deserve a work environment that is healthy, safe, and respects you as a human being. Don't force yourself to be in a place that's uncomfortable for you. You are valuable, so go where you are valued. There are many resources out there to help you when gender bias happens. I suggest you research women rights and advocacy groups in your area or online. Doing this will give you the support you need in challenging times.