Six Types of Unconscious Bias Caused By Personality – Part Two

In Part One I described how personality can lead to unconscious bias, and lamented the fact that there isn’t more research on this topic. The Process Communication Model (PCM) gives us a framework for unpacking the six personality types IN each of us, and how each one can have unconscious bias. Each person has all six types in them, arranged in a preferred, set order. Our most developed types are most likely to have unconscious bias against the least developed types.

Thinker

This type in each of us views the world through the lens of thoughts. They prize data and information and seek to organize and categorize the world.

Unconscious bias: Favoring people who are logical, organized, and responsible. May look down on those who don’t think linearly, don’t value time as much, or have less logical ways of getting things done.

“They can’t think clearly.”

Persister

This type in each of us views the world through the lens of opinions. They prize commitment to values and loyalty, and seek to live according to their beliefs.

Unconscious bias: Favoring people who are dedicated, conscientious, and observant. May look down on those who don’t have clearly defined belief systems or change their mind when conditions change.

“They aren’t committed.”

Harmonizer

This type in each of us views the world through the lens of Emotions. They prize relationships and compassion and seek to nurture others.

Unconscious bias: Favoring people who compassionate, sensitive, and warm. May look down on those who don’t show compassion and are non-emotional.

“They don’t care.”

Imaginer

This type in each of us views the world through the lens of Inactions. They prize privacy and their own space and seek time to reflect and imagine the possibilities.

Unconscious bias: Favoring those who allow space and time to reflect. May look down on those who are highly social and talking all the time.

“They aren’t aware.”

Rebel

This type in each of us views the world through the lens of Reactions. They prize spontaneity and fun and seek novel interactions to energize their creativity.

Unconscious bias: Favoring those who are flexible and upbeat. May look down on those who are inflexible or wedded to plans and rules.

“They are boring.”

Promoter

This type in each of us views the world through the lens of actions. They prize adaptability and self-sufficiency and seek exciting adventures with risk and challenge.

Unconscious bias: May look down on those who are risk-averse or struggle to adapt to changing conditions.

“They are weak.”

Because we all have each of these six types IN us, the key to reducing unconscious bias is to learn about these types in us, and use that awareness to gain empathy for those who experience the world differently and prize different things.

Learn about your personality and unconscious bias. Get your own PCM Key to Me Profile and debrief. 

Copyright Next Element Consulting, LLC 2020

My next book is coming out in July. Seeing People Through is all about appreciating and leveraging personality diversity in leadership.

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