by Mindtools
In a recent Training Industry article, Mindtools and Kineo’s Head of Research and Insights, Dr Anna Barnett, explores how emotional biases can quietly skew leaders’ judgment. She also looks at where and how Learning & Development teams can play a uniquely powerful role.
Why bias in leadership decision making matters
Even experienced leaders can make decisions influenced by unconscious preferences, not just data. These biases can distort hiring, promotions and resource allocation, ultimately undermining fairness and performance.
Bringing emotional intelligence (EQ) into decision frameworks helps leaders become more aware of when they’re being influenced by instinct rather than good judgment.
How L&D can make a difference
L&D teams can support better, fairer decision-making through a few practical levers.
Embed EQ into leadership learning
- Develop programs that help leaders recognize their emotional triggers, map them to decision processes, and understand how they might influence outcomes
- Create exercises that simulate high-stakes decisions, where emotions and bias are likely to show up — so leaders can practice stepping back and evaluating more objectively.
Structured reflection and feedback
- Use debriefs, coaching, and peer review to encourage leaders to reflect on decisions they’ve made — not just what they chose, but how they chose
- Build in safe, psychologically informed feedback loops so leaders can learn from bias-driven patterns, rather than repeating them.
Design decision frameworks
- Help organizations build decision-making processes that explicitly account for bias. For example, by adding “bias checkpoints” or using structured criteria
- Support the use of tools like checklists or decision matrices, which can counteract the influence of emotion by grounding decisions in agreed-upon principles.
Ongoing L&D interventions
- Rather than one-off bias training, embed continuous development for leaders: spaced learning, scenario-based practice, and revisiting decision habits over time
- Track improvements: use data from coaching, performance, and decisions to measure how well bias mitigation is working and where more support is needed.
How Mindtools and Kineo can help
We understand that reducing bias in leadership isn’t a tick-box exercise. It’s a long-term change in how leaders think, feel, and choose. With our deep expertise across leadership development, behavioural science, and practical frameworks, we can help your organization:
- Design emotionally intelligent leadership programs
- Build structured decision-making frameworks that are resilient to bias
- Scale reflective and peer-learning cultures
- Measure real behavioural change, not just awareness.
Ready to bring these insights to your organization?
If you’re an L&D or HR leader looking to build bias-aware leadership in your business, the Mindtools and Kineo team would love to help. Contact us to explore how our tailored solutions can make decision-making more inclusive and effective.
