Stacey Bernal directly addresses camera:  Real estate agents find themselves in all sorts of uncomfortable situations. And how we respond may be biased, without us even knowing.
I'm Stacy Bernal, a speaker and diversity trainer with See Stacy Speak. Let's take five minutes to talk about what bias is and how to change our behavior to avoid awkward interactions.
       One example I often cite of bias affecting how we behave with customers is an advertisement a brokerage sent out. It had a picture of a busy woman. She was multitasking — working and taking care of her three children. Right next to her was a photo of two men in business suits. The caption read: Part-time agent versus full-time professionals. Who would you rather have representing you?
       That ad has a very sexist message. That may not have been the broker's intent, but perhaps the person producing the ad had an unconscious belief that men who are full-time real estate agents can better take care of their customers because they aren't distracted by children or what they consider female duties. 
       So how can you recognize these biases in yourself and how can the Realtor Code of Ethics help you?
       The Code of Ethics is such a beautiful document. I remind real estate agents that it's fluid and has changed over the years. Article 10 specifically addresses how we treat customers equally regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation and gender identity. 
       That's important. And the first step in all of this is recognizing that you have biases. Everyone does. Words create images in our minds. If I say the words nurse, doctor or teacher, a picture of each professional comes to mind. What does that picture look like? Now, next time you're working with a customer and that person says, "my spouse," don't automatically assume it's a person of a different gender. Recognizing the thoughts you  associate with common words and thoughtfully considering a different view can go a long way.
       Next, be careful about marketing to one customer, whether it be LGBTQ+ customers or families with small children. All your marketing must be inclusive. Next, pay attention to body language. What's so funny about biases is that people don't recognize that they have them. They may not notice that their behaviors and body language change around certain people. Again, awareness is key.
       Finally, make a conscious decision to be egalitarian and widen your circles. We know that people like to be around people who are like them, whether it be similar in race, culture, background or socioeconomic status. If we live in circles where our personal and professional acquaintances tend to look the same, it's time to go outside of that circle and meet new people. Choose to get involved in organizations such as Gay and Lesbian associations, the Women's Council of Realtors, National Association of Real Estate Brokers and others. Diversify your sphere and you'll open doors. 
       Uncovering your biases takes a thoughtful and proactive approach. By seeking to understand, you can also avoid those awkward and uncomfortable conversations and become a more well-rounded person.