Lesson Objective

The goal of this lesson is to understand how biases work in practice, how they influence everyday decisions and relationships, and what consequences they can have for individuals and teams. The film shows real-life situations that illustrate the impact of unconscious assumptions and how to overcome them.

What should you pay attention to while watching?

• What types of biases are depicted? Do they concern appearance, behavior, or cultural differences?
• How do people who are the target of prejudice in a given film behave, and how does this affect their comfort and engagement?
• How does the environment react to these situations – do they support, ignore, or perhaps contribute to the perpetuation of prejudice?
• What practices or strategies can help counteract such situations?

Key Observations

Prejudice often manifests itself in everyday interactions – it can be subtle and seemingly “insignificant,” but its cumulative impact can lead to exclusion and a lower sense of self-esteem for those affected.

• Prejudice doesn’t always take the form of overt discrimination – it often operates through unconscious judgments and associations.
• People who are the target of prejudice may experience social isolation, stress, and low self-esteem.
• Stereotypes influence decisions – who is given a say, what tasks are assigned, and how others’ work is evaluated.

How to counteract prejudice?

The film shows that awareness of prejudice is only the first step. To counteract their negative effects, conscious action is needed, both individually and as a team:

• Active listening – giving space to all voices without prejudice.
• Recognizing first impressions and verifying them based on facts.
• Using clear criteria in recruitment, evaluation, and task allocation.
• Promoting diverse perspectives and reflection within the team.

Practical reflection

Prejudices are part of how the human mind works, but their impact can be controlled. A conscious approach to decisions and team relationships is not only an ethical issue – it’s also a way to build an effective and inclusive organization.

Conclusion

Each of us – as individuals and as part of a team – has an impact on how bias shapes the work environment. Asking questions, reflecting on thought patterns, and practically implementing the principles of inclusivity are key steps towards a more equitable workplace.