Bridging Differences for Better Mentoring

FOUR

Bias and Privilege in Mentoring

The impact of bias and privilege on how we view ourselves and others cannot be underestimated and is often hard to see—especially when we are looking at ourselves. Yet even though it may be difficult (self-understanding often means going deeper than new mentors and mentees expect or are comfortable with), this is a critical area to explore. As we become aware of own biases and privilege, we also become aware of our assumptions, behavior, and interpretation about the others with whom we interact.

Exploring Bias

Bias is an inclination in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another. It can, and often does, lead to prejudice—an adverse judgment or opinion formed without supporting knowledge ...