Sthir Stories
Sensitizing Bias through Stories – A Gentle yet Impactful DEI Intervention
Summary:
A reuted NGO wanted to uncover and address subtle biases, including caste-based discrimination, without creating defensiveness or disrupting team dynamics.
Sthir implemented a culturally relevant, story-based Panchatantra series that encouraged reflection and dialogue, resulting in greater bias awareness, inclusive behaviors, and improved team cohesion
Industry
Public Utilities
Client
Client Name Withheld
Date
2022
Case Study
Challenge: Uncovering Unconscious Bias without Disruption
A prominent NGO, known for its work across grassroots projects, approached Sthir Consulting with concerns about biases and unequal treatment within its workforce. The HR team had sensed growing dissatisfaction among employees due to favouritism, differential behaviours, and inconsistent leadership styles. These behaviours were subtly influencing team dynamics and morale. However, HR struggled to address these issues directly without alienating employees or triggering resistance.
They sought Sthir’s help to diagnose the underlying biases and craft a sensitive yet effective intervention to bring about cultural change.
The Sthir Approach
Diagnosis: The Elephant in the Room
We designed a customized culture audit, incorporating:
Anonymous Surveys – to gather quantitative insights into employee perceptions.
Focus Group Discussions – to surface stories of lived experiences from employees across functions.
In-depth Interviews with DEI Committee Members and Senior Leaders – to uncover patterns of exclusion and silent biases.
The findings were stark: Caste bias—a sensitive and deeply embedded cultural issue—emerged as the “elephant in the room.” Employees were hesitant to speak openly about the issue, but the audit revealed that subtle biases based on social backgrounds were influencing decisions, interactions, and access to opportunities. The challenge was clear: a non-threatening and empathetic approach was essential to address these biases without causing defensiveness.
Implementation: Learning through Stories – A 4-Part Panchatantra Series
Recognizing that many employees worked from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, STHIR designed a story-based intervention using the timeless wisdom of Panchatantra—an ancient Indian collection of fables. This approach offered a culturally relevant and accessible framework to explore complex themes like fairness, inclusion, and empathy without directly confronting individuals.
The intervention unfolded over four weekly sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. The sessions combined storytelling, reflective discussions, and action-oriented strategies to help participants explore their biases and develop new, inclusive behaviours.
Key Interventions:
Story-Based Learning: Each session began with a Panchatantra tale reflecting themes of fairness, empathy, and inclusion. The familiar format of these fables ensured emotional safety and allowed participants to engage without defensiveness.
Structured Reflection and Dialogue: After each story, participants engaged in guided discussions, reflecting on how the story’s themes related to their own behaviours and workplace dynamics. The facilitator encouraged participants to surface their unconscious biases gently and explore strategies to change.
Practical Action Strategies: Each session ended with participants identifying small, actionable steps they could implement in their roles—ranging from inclusive communication practices to mindful decision-making in recruitment and team interactions.
Thematic Progression: The four sessions were designed to build on each other, starting with foundational themes of fairness and trust, progressing toward more nuanced discussions on empathy, accountability, and social privilege.
Outcome
Results: High Engagement and Deep Insights
The intervention was highly effective, with strong participation across all sessions. Employees found the story-based approach refreshing and non-threatening, which encouraged open conversations on difficult topics like caste bias. Feedback from participants highlighted several key outcomes:
Bias Awareness: Participants reported a deeper understanding of unconscious biases and how these biases subtly shape everyday interactions.
Behavioural Change: Employees began implementing small, meaningful changes, such as acknowledging diverse perspectives, sharing opportunities more equitably, and practicing inclusive communication.
Improved Team Dynamics: Managers noted early signs of improved morale and team cohesion, with greater trust and transparency developing within teams.
A senior HR leader reflected, “The Panchatantra sessions gave us a new lens to see how our actions—conscious or not—were impacting others. It allowed us to have honest conversations without feeling judged.”
Key Takeaways: Meaningful DEI through Gentle Interventions
Cultural Relevance Fosters Engagement: The use of familiar Panchatantra stories helped participants connect emotionally and explore sensitive topics like bias and privilege without resistance.
Non-Threatening Methodology is Key: Addressing unconscious biases requires psychological safety. Storytelling provided a way to surface biases indirectly, encouraging honest introspection and openness to change.
Reflection Drives Sustainable Change: Structured reflection and dialogue allowed participants to internalize the lessons from the stories and apply them to their personal and professional lives.
Small Actions Lead to Long-Term Impact: The intervention empowered participants to take small, consistent steps toward more inclusive behaviours, laying the foundation for sustainable cultural change.
Testimonial:
“The storytelling sessions by STHIR Consulting created an atmosphere where difficult conversations could happen organically. The non-threatening format gave us space to reflect on our behaviours and take actionable steps toward becoming more inclusive leaders.” – HR Head, Client NGO
This case study highlights how Sthir’s expertise in DEI interventions goes beyond conventional training to deliver culturally relevant, meaningful, and non-threatening solutions. Through storytelling and reflection, the organization successfully confronted unconscious biases, fostering a culture of fairness and inclusion.
