Last updated on Jul 1, 2024

Here's how you can make objective decisions in conferences by overcoming biases.

Conferences are a melting pot of ideas, opinions, and decisions. When you're in the thick of discussions and debates, it's crucial to navigate these waters with objectivity. Biases can cloud judgment, leading to decisions that aren't in the best interest of the goals at hand. The key to objective decision-making lies in recognizing these biases and taking deliberate steps to mitigate their influence, ensuring that choices are made based on facts and rational considerations rather than subjective leanings.

1 Recognize Bias

The first step towards objective decision-making in conferences is to acknowledge that biases exist. It's natural to have preferences and preconceptions, but being aware of them allows you to compensate for their influence. When you're participating in a conference, take a moment to reflect on your initial reactions to ideas and people. Are these reactions based on the content being presented or are they influenced by who is presenting? By recognizing your biases, you can begin to question them and focus on the information that matters.

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Gabriele Schäfer

From People to Progress – Creatively Guiding as a Professor, Entrepreneur, and International Consultant
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I’ve discovered how to make objective decisions in conferences by overcoming biases. Drawing from Watzlawick’s insights, I acknowledge that everyone is differently socialized. Through exercises that focus on describing things without value judgments, such as noting a person is approximately 1.60 meters tall instead of simply "short," I’ve found these practices incredibly effective. By practicing value-free perception, I’ve significantly improved my decision-making processes.

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Dieter Strasser

Lösungskatalysator, visueller Enthusiast und drölfzigfach akkreditierter Trainer & Coach für den Flow von Mensch und Organisation. ➡️GELEBTER, bleibender, organischer Arbeitsfluss mit signifikantem messbaren Unterschied.
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Durch meine vielfältigen Ausbildungen bin ich erfahren, um sowohl mit Biasen als auch negativen Gefühlen zu Menschen umzugehen bzw. diese zumindest wahrzunehmen. D.h. nicht, dagegen gewappnet zu sein. Das ist als Mensch unmöglich und das ist gut so. Wonach ich immer trachte, die Fakten zu ergründen und selbst die Schlüsse nachzuvollziehen. Seit vielen Jahren gehe ich weitgehend offen zu neuen Themen hin, um mir erweiterte Perspektiven zu holen. Oft frage ich mich, ob es zu meinem Wissen passt oder ein Widerspruch ist und das hinterfrage ich. Ich bin stets bereit, meine bisherigen Sichten zugunsten erweiterter Erkenntnisse über Bord zu werfen. Jedenfalls suche ich nie etwas, was lediglich meine Meinung bestätigt.

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Horacio Rodriguez Rilo

Boop | ⚡ Fastest & 🎯 Easiest Way to Network at Events | 🤝 Build Better Connections
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Recognizing bias is noticing when your preconceived notions color your judgment. It's about catching yourself when your existing beliefs influence decisions without concrete evidence.

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2 Seek Diversity

Diversity in thought and representation is your ally in combating biases. When forming a conference panel or discussion group, aim for a mix of genders, ethnicities, backgrounds, and perspectives. This variety ensures that different viewpoints are considered, which can challenge your preconceptions and lead to more balanced decision-making. Listen actively to all contributions, even those that contradict your initial beliefs, as this can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the topic at hand.

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3 Challenge Assumptions

Every decision is built upon a set of assumptions. It's important to identify and challenge these to avoid biased conclusions. In a conference setting, don't hesitate to ask probing questions that get to the heart of these assumptions. What evidence supports them? Could there be alternative explanations? By critically examining the foundations of your decisions, you can ensure they are rooted in solid ground rather than swayed by unfounded beliefs.

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Dieter Strasser

Lösungskatalysator, visueller Enthusiast und drölfzigfach akkreditierter Trainer & Coach für den Flow von Mensch und Organisation. ➡️GELEBTER, bleibender, organischer Arbeitsfluss mit signifikantem messbaren Unterschied.
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Annahme zu hinterfragen ist eine meiner fünf Prämissen. So oft sagen Menschen: ich habe ja geglaubt, … und schwupps sind sie auf genau solchen ausgerutscht. Fragen zu stellen und Kontexte zu klären empfiehlt sich IMMER.

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4 Encourage Debate

Healthy debate is a powerful tool for overcoming biases. Encourage open discussions where all conference attendees can voice their opinions and challenge each other's viewpoints. This process of debate helps to uncover any cognitive biases that might be influencing the group's thinking. It also promotes critical thinking and can lead to more robust, well-rounded decisions that have been tested through the fire of collective scrutiny.

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5 Use Frameworks

Objective decision-making can be facilitated by using structured decision-making frameworks. These tools help break down complex issues into manageable components, allowing for a systematic evaluation of each aspect. In a conference setting, introduce frameworks like SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis or the Decision Matrix to guide discussions. This structured approach ensures that decisions are made based on a comprehensive analysis rather than gut feelings or dominant voices.

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Dieter Strasser

Lösungskatalysator, visueller Enthusiast und drölfzigfach akkreditierter Trainer & Coach für den Flow von Mensch und Organisation. ➡️GELEBTER, bleibender, organischer Arbeitsfluss mit signifikantem messbaren Unterschied.
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SWOT ist für mich kein Framework, aber ein sehr wichtiges Werkzeug. Viel lieber noch verwende ich das erweiterte TOWS, wo man man sich dann auf gewisse Fakten fokussieren kann. Es zählen nicht die Methoden. Viel mehr zählt die Interaktion, die Freude und das Verstehen. Dem ordne ich alles unter und dazu verwende ich bei meinen Beiträgen eine Vielzahl an unterschiedlichen Methoden, die ich als Trainer und Praktiker sowie systematisch sowie digital aufbereitet habe.

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6 Reflect Objectively

Post-conference reflection is as important as the discussions themselves. Take time to review the decisions made and the processes used to reach them. Was there a point where biases might have crept in? Could the decision-making process be improved for next time? Reflecting on these questions helps refine your ability to make objective decisions in future conferences, creating a cycle of continuous improvement and learning.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can make objective decisions in conferences by overcoming biases.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Recognize Bias

2 Seek Diversity

3 Challenge Assumptions

4 Encourage Debate

5 Use Frameworks

6 Reflect Objectively

7 Here’s what else to consider

Conferences

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Here's how you can make objective decisions in conferences by overcoming biases.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Recognize Bias

2 Seek Diversity

3 Challenge Assumptions

4 Encourage Debate

5 Use Frameworks

6 Reflect Objectively

7 Here’s what else to consider

Conferences

Rate this article

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