Learning Goal: I’m working on a business discussion question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.
Question 1: Review the classmates’ posts and respond to at least one in a minimum of 150 words. Explain why you agree or disagree. Then, share an example from your professional experience to support your assertions.
Recently, the School of Medicine leadership team participated in a series of implicit bias modules in healthcare. The well-known Implicit Association Test (IAT) is frequently cited in the literature and is often used to help learners understand their biases (Alston, 2021). The first two were focused on race and gender. The outcomes were presented as a self-awareness tool to show our leadership biases in aggregate form. Results were provided in a simplified manner; “no preference,” “a slight preference,” “a moderate preference,” or a “strong preference” for X or Y (i.e., the categories the test is assessing). The leadership team collectively met with the Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Specialist to help interpret the results. And assist us in learning how to work on modifying the implicit biases we discovered in ourselves.
The modules were insightful, especially the gender section, as I discovered that I have a moderate association of males being career-oriented and females being family-focused. In simple terms, the test revealed my bias toward career-driven women. Before participating in this activity, I prided myself on being one hundred percent supportive of women as I have ambitiously pursued and achieved many of my career goals in healthcare. The results confused and conflicted with the perspective I believed I had about career women. As a career woman, this new knowledge of my bias was initially difficult to accept. However, I have decided to work on changing my unconscious judgments about career women. This is not something I can successfully achieve on my own, so I am working with DEI professionals to support me in understanding and changing my perception.
I have always been willing to hear and learn from my friends, family, and colleagues about their perspectives. I strive to be open-minded to learn various points of view before forming my own. Diestler (2020) stated when new information becomes available, revisit and reexamine accurate assumptions about an issue, and strive to discern the truth. Therefore, I am not sure if I am fully inhabiting the perspectives of others or if I am taking parts of their viewpoints and adapting them to my lived experiences. Growing up, I was told that pursuing a career over family is selfish. I wonder if it has unintentionally caused me to project those beliefs onto other women, thus resulting in my bias.
The patriarchal society we all live in has shaped my worldview regarding career-driven women. In talking things through with the DEI specialists, I realized that what I believed were my views might not be my own. Highly ambitious career women are not regarded positively. There is usually some negative connotation like they are difficult or trying to be men. I must dismantle the preconceived notion and narrative framed in my mind. And be intentional in fashioning a new objective perception of career women.
References:
Alston, A.D. (2021). Examining an implicit bias assessment tool: Considerations for faculty and clinicians. Women’s Healthcare: A Clinical Journal for NPs, 9(6), 23-27.
Question 2: Review the classmates’ posts and respond to at least one in a minimum of 150 words. Explain why you agree or disagree. Then, share an example from your professional experience to support your assertions.
The four lenses discussed in this article are
Our Autobiography as a Learner of Practice: This is described as the ability for someone to use our experiences and understand that not everyone will have the same experiences while experiencing the same situation, grief, divorce, loss of a pet, or loss of a job. The experiences one faces when dealing with any type of life changing event varies; therefore, the autobiography learner uses their experiences to mold the process of change.
Our Learners’ Eyes: this aspect focuses on learning; in some cases, we allow others to see and hear what we want them to hear and see. This at times can be surprising due to the interpretation others see in us, that we may not be aware of. I can associate this with the feedback and constructive criticism we have already received and will continue to receive during our course work in the Doctoral program.
Our Colleagues’ Experiences: Our colleagues serve a purpose in both out academic journey as well as our professional journey. Our peers and colleagues will help us gain the knowledge we may be lacking as well as learning from one another in areas we may not feel strong in. Collaborating is a huge part of the growth and learning process we will experience as students and professionals.
Theoretical Literature: Theories align my current job in so many ways. Being an AMFT, we utilize many different theories to create a treatment that will help each individual during their trauma or mental health issues. Theories are designed as a roadmap for clinicians to embark on the therapeutic journey with our clients. Most theorist created these platforms for us many years ago, by implementing theories into my professional journey allows me to research and understand everyone individually and most importantly create a plan that will promote the healthiest solutions for my clients.
Describe how viewing a situation through each of Brookfield’s 4 lenses affects your perspective on a topic you are passionate about.
After reading the about the different lenses, it allows me to see things can be simplified. At times course work and professional work can become complicated, understanding there are ways to overcome these fears by utilizing the four lenses can benefit me and be an advantage to my success.
Reference
Brookfield, S. (1998). Critically reflective practice. Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, 18(4), 197. https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/critic…
