Breaking Down Biases: How Our Thinking Shapes Our Success

Why WOOT believe we all should know about our biases!  

Here at Women of Our Time (WOOT), we know that the way we think shapes our journey—whether at work, in business, or even in everyday life. Our thoughts, assumptions, and the mental shortcuts we take can either open doors or put up barriers. 

The good news? Once we recognise these patterns, we can challenge them and create new ways of thinking that help us grow and succeed. Let’s break it down together. 

What Are Biases, Assumptions, and Inferences? 

Our brains use these shortcuts such as biases, assumptions and inferences to make sense of the world quickly. But sometimes, they lead us in the wrong direction:

Biases:

These are the automatic thoughts we have that influence how we see others—often without realizing it. For example, assuming a woman leading a business is less knowledgeable than a man in the same role is a gender bias. 

Assumptions: 

Inferences:

Examples of Biases and Assumptions Women Face at Work 

Women often deal with unfair assumptions and biases in professional spaces. Here are a few common ones: 

• Being seen as "too emotional" when speaking passionately about an issue. 

• Assumptions that working mothers are less committed to their jobs. 

• Biases that women in leadership roles are "bossy" while men are "strong leaders." 

• The belief that certain industries or roles (like tech or construction) are "better suited" for men. 

  
  

Recognising these biases is the first step to challenging them! 

How Biases Impact Our Actions (And How Others See Us):

The way we think affects how we act. If we believe something about ourselves or others, it can change how we behave. If you assume you're not good at public speaking, you might avoid speaking up in meetings—even if you have great ideas. 

If a hiring manager unconsciously believes women aren’t strong negotiators, they might offer lower salaries to female candidates. When biases influence workplace interactions, it can lead to misunderstandings, lost opportunities, and even lower confidence. 

 

How This Affects You and Your Well-Being?

Unchecked biases and assumptions can lead to stress, self-doubt, and frustration. They can make you second-guess your skills or hold back from going after what you truly want. But the good news? By challenging these thoughts, you can break free from limiting beliefs, build your confidence, and create a healthier, more empowering mindset. 

 

Managing Biases: How to Take Control 

So, what can we do? Here are some practical ways to manage biases and assumptions: 

Practice Self-Awareness

Regularly check in with your thoughts. Ask yourself: Am I being fair? Am I making assumptions without facts? 

Diversify Your Circle 

Pause and Reframe

Educate Yourself

Speak Up 

Support Other Women

How Women of Our Time Support Hub Can Help  

At Women of Our Time Support Hub, we are committed to empowering women to develop essential workplace skills, including influence.   

If you want to explore this more, then book a free triage session, which is designed to help you identify where you need support and provide clarity on your next steps. From there, you can access a free 1-hour session with an expert advisor who will offer tailored guidance, practical strategies, and emotional support to help you navigate workplace and personal challenges.   

Here’s how else we can support your development:  

• Workshops: Interactive workshops that focus on building influencing techniques, from communication to emotional intelligence.  

• Access to Resources: A range of guides, articles, and toolkits to help you refine your influencing strategy and navigate workplace dynamics.  

  
  

Your thoughts shape your reality. By recognising and challenging biases, you can take control of your career, confidence, and future. Let’s break down barriers together—join the Women of Our Time community today!