Microlesson Experts
Joan WilliamsRenowned Bias Expert
Addressing Repeated Doubts in Performance
Prove it again bias forces some employees—often women or underrepresented groups—to constantly re-demonstrate their competence. This unfair dynamic drains confidence and slows career growth. This microlesson provides skills training to help employees recognize prove it again bias, challenge double standards, and support equitable advancement.
Microlesson Description
In this skill-building microlesson, we show how marginalized people are often viewed as less competent and forced to prove their competence over and over again. This lesson models the actions to interrupt the bias in real-time, and includes downloadable exercises to support group practice. This microlesson is part of the Bias Interrupters program series based on Joan C. Williams and WorkLife Law's research on effective interventions to mitigate workplace bias. This microlesson series is also available in a full course.Key Concepts
- Judging people based on predetermined criteria, with evidence, interrupts prove it again bias.
- Notice whether who you praise or criticize varies by gender or race.
- Separate your assessments of people’s potential and their performance.
- Notice when you generalize (or make assumptions) about a mistake or success. Be consistent.
- Use data to check for patterns in sourcing, hiring, and promotions.
How to Use this Content:
Use this content as part of your manager and leadership development programs, as part of ERG learning materials, and in the flow of work for hiring team training and before performance reviews. Joan’s book, Bias Interrupted, is available now.Microlesson Features
- Employee sentiment pulsing questions that provide leaders with insights into their workforce's core cultural competencies
- Emtrain's Expert Answers tool, enabling employeees to submit anonymous questions about sensitive issues.
- Rich, contemporary video scences illustrating key concepts through realistic scenarios
- A data driven, skill-based approach to eLearning that establishes a shared language for employees.
How to Use this Lesson
Each Emtrain microlesson blends real-world video scenarios, interactive surveys, and expert insights to build stronger workplace skills. Learners gain practical actions they can apply right away, while HR leaders see measurable insights into team behaviors. And with every training plan, you get access to all 90+ microlessons across communication, inclusion, compliance, and leadership.
Teach
Learn through real-world examples and instructional content that highlight the do’s and don’ts of workplace interactions. Employees explore key concepts, see how different situations play out, and discover practical ways to build stronger, more respectful connections.
Take a free preview of this microlesson now — no obligation.
Discover
Go beyond training with Emtrain Intelligence. Embedded surveys capture employee experiences and provide benchmarks so you can understand how your team compares to global peers.
Try it now and see how Emtrain Intelligence works with this lesson.
Apply It - Take Action
Turn insights into action with clear steps for improving workplace habits. Learners walk away with practical guidance to apply immediately, while HR leaders gain data to support ongoing culture improvements.
Preview this lesson now to see the actions your team can take to make in impact — free access.
Related Resources
Related Trainings
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions that employees and managers have about this topic. These FAQs provide a preview of what you’ll learn in this microlesson and why it matters.
Q
What is Prove It Again bias in the workplace?
Prove It Again bias occurs when women or minorities must repeatedly demonstrate their competence while others are assumed capable without question.
Q
How does this bias impact women and minorities disproportionately?
This bias impacts women and minorities disproportionately by creating higher scrutiny, slowing advancement, and reinforcing inequities.
Q
What are the risks of Prove It Again bias on retention and promotion?
Risks of Prove It Again bias on retention and promotion include disengagement, stalled careers, and loss of diverse talent to competitors.
Q
How can managers recognize when this bias is happening?
Managers can recognize this bias by observing unequal standards, such as requiring additional proof from certain employees for the same performance.
Q
Why does this bias erode trust in leadership evaluations?
This bias erodes trust in leadership evaluations by making performance reviews appear subjective or unfair.
Culture Forward Companies That Choose Emtrain
