Inclusive Leadership: The Power of Workplace Diversity from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Inclusion Matters

This module provides perspectives on inclusion. We will explore the meanings of inclusion and why inclusion is important for promoting workplace diversity. The lessons will provide a foundation for becoming a highly inclusive leader. The first lesson defines inclusion. The second and third lessons describe and give examples of four factors of inclusion (belonging, uniqueness, equity, and non-discrimination). The fourth lesson diversity in the workplace and explains how organizations benefit from inclusion. It also discusses the relationship between inclusion and diversity. The module concludes with a Spotlight on The Workplace (Lesson 5). The Resources section of our course has: 1. A glossary of key concepts from this module 2. A Now What? list to help you apply what you've learned in each module 3. An Inclusive Leadership Self-Assessment, and other materials to enhance your learning. Please check the Resources section regularly because I will often add and update materials.

Inclusive Leadership Matters

In this module, you will learn perspectives on inclusive leadership. The first lesson reviews traditional theories of leadership and offers the definition of leadership that we will use in our course. The second lesson explains how we define inclusive leadership. The next two lessons delve into self-awareness, a crucial aspect of inclusive leadership. The module concludes with a lesson on the benefits of inclusive leadership and a Spotlight on Privilege. Please note that the Resources section of our course has a glossary of key concepts from this module. The Resources section of our course has: 1. a glossary of key concepts from this module, and 2. a Now What? list to help you apply what you've learned in this module, and a variety of other materials to enhance your learning. Please check the Resources section regularly because I will be adding and updating materials.

Six Signature Traits of Highly Inclusive Leaders

In this module, we will explore six signature traits of inclusive leadership. Researchers Bernadette Dillon and Juliet Bourke conducted a large-scale international project to study how leaders around the world were responding to changes related to inclusion. They identified six signature traits of highly inclusive leaders. The first lesson provides an overview of the six traits. The next lessons offer an overview of each trait and explain how inclusive leaders enact those traits. The module concludes with a Spotlight on Implicit Bias. The Resources section includes: 1. a glossary of key concepts from this module, and 2. a Now What? list to help you apply what you've learned in this module, Please check the Resources section regularly because I will often add and update materials.

Communication and Inclusive Leadership

In this module, we’re going to explore a variety of communication practices related to the six signature traits of inclusive leaders. Communication refers to the wide variety of ways that humans share meaning with one another, including communicating with oneself! Each lesson in this module provides information and ideas for how to communicate inclusively - how to show others that they are valued and respected. First, we will explore a few communication topics that are especially relevant to members of non-dominant groups in the workplace. Then, we'll delve into intrapersonal communication, listening, microaggressions, micro-affirmations, feedback, and inclusive meetings. The module concludes with a Spotlight on Power. The Resources section of our course has: 1. a glossary of key concepts from this module, 2. a Now What? list to help you apply what you learned in this module, and 3. a reading entitled, Power Matters.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides perspectives on various aspects of inclusion, including its meaning, importance, and benefits for workplace diversity

Emphasizes the importance of self-awareness as a crucial aspect of inclusive leadership

Explores six signature traits of highly inclusive leaders, providing practical guidance on how to enact those traits

Investigates a variety of communication practices related to inclusive leadership, such as listening, feedback, and inclusive meetings

Offers a comprehensive study of inclusive leadership and its implications for workplace diversity and inclusion

Taught by Dr. Brenda J. Allen, a nationally recognized educator and leader in the field of diversity and inclusion, with proven ability to explain complex topics in non-threatening ways

Reviews summary

Leadership power course

learners say this highly received course in Inclusive Leadership deepens understanding of both leadership and inclusion, encouraging reflection on one's own journey and development of new lenses for showing up in the world.

The instructor's use of personal stories and practical examples makes concepts relatable and easy to understand.

"Brenda has used many of her personal experiences and other practical stories throughout the course to explain the concepts, this makes easy to understand, connect and relate with topic"

Learners take the Implicit Bias Quiz to raise awareness of their own unconscious biases.

"Example: As a left-handed person myself, using handedness to demonstrate the concept of privilege really allowed me to grasp the nuances of the concept and has given me a basis to use in sharing that knowledge in a way that minimizes resistance."

Creating inclusive environments boosts employee engagement, productivity, and profits.

"We have also heard of employees being recruited through such programs and quitting because of a feeling of tokenism."

"This course teaches how to unlock and reap the benefits of diversity with inclusion that can be cultivated by everyone."

"This can lead to happy, high performing teams/employees at every hierarchical level of an organization or whatever the organizational structure might be, plus many other benefits discussed in the course."

The discussion board lacks substance and engagement, with many participants providing short, surface-level responses.

"That was kind of invalidating."

"I also found the discussion board to lack substance."

"Many folks seemed to offer short, surface level responses."

"I wonder how more actual engagement between participants and instructor and participants and participants might have boosted my learning."

Some learners experience difficulty accessing required readings due to paywalls.

"First, I could not access many of the Forbes and Harvard Business Review articles, as I read over my limit and would have thus needed to pay for subscriptions to access course material."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Inclusive Leadership: The Power of Workplace Diversity with these activities:

Review Inclusive Leadership Concepts

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Warm up your knowledge base by reacquainting yourself with basic concepts and definitions.

Browse courses on Inclusive Leadership

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Review the course syllabus and overview.
Read articles or blog posts about inclusive leadership.
Reflect on your own experiences with inclusive leadership.

Review Understanding Inclusion

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Reinforce your understanding of inclusion in advance of taking this course

Browse courses on Inclusion

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Review the meaning of inclusion
List the benefits of inclusion in the workplace
Identify ways to improve inclusion in your workplace

Read 'Leading Inclusion: Cultivating Diversity and Belonging in the Workplace' by Jennifer Brown

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Get an in-depth understanding of the concepts of diversity, inclusion, and leadership from an expert in the field.

View How to Be an Inclusive Leader, Second Edition:... on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on key concepts
Identify and summarize the main arguments and supporting evidence presented in the book

14 other activities

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Take an online course on unconscious bias

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Deepen your understanding of unconscious bias through structured guided learning.

Browse courses on Implicit Bias

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Find and enroll in an online course on unconscious bias that fits your schedule and learning style
Complete the course modules and participate in discussions
Reflect on your learning and identify areas for personal and professional growth

Self-evaluate with quizzes

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Test how well you've retained the knowledge through the course by quizzing yourself regularly.

Browse courses on Collaboration

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Take frequent quizzes throughout the course modules
Review your answers and identify areas for improvement

Become a mentor for underrepresented students or professionals in your field

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Share your knowledge, experience, and support to foster the growth and success of others from underrepresented groups.

Browse courses on Diversity

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Reach out to organizations or programs that support mentorship opportunities
Identify and connect with a mentee who aligns with your skills and interests
Provide regular guidance, support, and encouragement to your mentee

Attend a virtual workshop on the latest trends in diversity and inclusion

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Stay updated on the evolving landscape of diversity and inclusion practices.

Browse courses on Diversity

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Research and identify upcoming virtual workshops on diversity and inclusion
Register and attend the workshop
Take notes and engage in discussions during the workshop

Discussion about Inclusive Leadership

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Engage with your peers on the key concepts of inclusive leadership

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Share your understanding of inclusive leadership
Discuss the challenges of inclusive leadership
Identify strategies to overcome the challenges of inclusive leadership

How to Create an Inclusive Workplace

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Expand your knowledge on promoting inclusive cultures in the workplace.

Browse courses on Inclusive Workplace

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Watch videos or read articles about developing inclusive workplaces.
Identify ways to create a more inclusive environment in your own workplace.
Discuss your ideas with colleagues and managers.

Follow Tutorials on Signature Traits of Leaders

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Seek additional resources to deepen your understanding of these traits

Browse courses on Inclusive Leadership

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Find online tutorials on inclusive leadership
Follow the instructions in the tutorials
Apply the concepts you learn to your own leadership style

Discussion on Inclusive Leadership Challenges

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Learn from others' experiences and perspectives on common challenges in inclusive leadership.

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Join a discussion group or online forum focused on inclusive leadership.
Participate in discussions about challenges and solutions in promoting inclusion.
Share your own experiences and insights with others.

Foster an inclusive work environment

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Create a realistic scenario of how to put the course material into practice.

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Identify and describe a workplace scenario or incident where you could have applied inclusive leadership practices
Explain how you would have used inclusive leadership principles to address the situation, step-by-step
Discuss the potential impact your actions could have had on the outcome of the situation

Develop a diversity and inclusion training plan

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Create a comprehensive plan to train and educate others on the principles of diversity and inclusion.

Browse courses on Diversity

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Research and identify the specific needs and goals of the training program
Develop a curriculum that covers key concepts, case studies, and interactive exercises
Create a detailed training plan that includes logistics, materials, and evaluation methods

Participate in a case competition or hackathon focused on diversity and inclusion

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Apply your knowledge and skills to a real-world challenge related to diversity and inclusion.

Browse courses on Diversity

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Find and register for a competition that aligns with your interests and skills
Develop a solution or strategy that addresses the specific challenge
Present your solution to a panel of judges or experts
Reflect on your experience and identify areas for learning and growth

Create a Communication Plan for Inclusive Leadership

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Develop a plan to improve your communication skills as an inclusive leader

Browse courses on Communication Skills

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Identify your communication strengths and weaknesses
Set goals for improving your communication skills
Develop a plan to meet your communication goals

Develop an Inclusive Leadership Plan

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Apply your knowledge by creating a plan for implementing inclusive leadership practices in your workplace.

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Identify the current state of inclusion in your workplace.
Set goals for improving inclusion.
Develop strategies for achieving your goals.
Create a timeline for implementing your plan.

Mentor Junior Leaders in Inclusive Leadership

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Share your knowledge and experience by mentoring junior leaders to develop their inclusive leadership skills.

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Identify junior leaders who would benefit from mentoring in inclusive leadership.
Set up regular meetings to provide guidance and support.
Share your knowledge and experience in inclusive leadership.
Provide feedback and encouragement.

Career center

Learners who complete Inclusive Leadership: The Power of Workplace Diversity will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Diversity and Inclusion Consultant

Diversity and Inclusion Consultants help organizations to create and implement diversity and inclusion initiatives. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to assess an organization's needs, develop and implement diversity and inclusion programs, and create a culture of inclusion. This course will also help you understand the legal and ethical issues related to diversity and inclusion, and it will provide you with the tools you need to build a strong team and create a culture of inclusion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Consultant

Equal Employment Opportunity Officer

Equal Employment Opportunity Officers are responsible for enforcing equal employment opportunity laws and regulations within an organization. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn about the legal and ethical issues related to equal employment opportunity, and you will gain a deep understanding of the principles of diversity and inclusion. This course will also help you develop the skills you need to investigate and resolve discrimination complaints, and it will provide you with the tools you need to create a culture of inclusion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Equal Employment Opportunity Officer

Diversity and Inclusion Trainer

Diversity and Inclusion Trainers help organizations to create and implement diversity and inclusion training programs. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to develop and deliver diversity and inclusion training programs, create a culture of inclusion, and measure the progress of your initiatives. This course will also help you understand the legal and ethical issues related to diversity and inclusion, and it will provide you with the tools you need to build a strong team and create a culture of inclusion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Trainer

Chief Diversity Officer

As a Chief Diversity Officer, you will be responsible for leading and developing diversity and inclusion initiatives within your organization. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to create a vision for diversity and inclusion, develop and implement strategies to achieve that vision, and measure the progress of your initiatives. This course will also help you understand the legal and ethical issues related to diversity and inclusion, and it will provide you with the tools you need to build a strong team and create a culture of inclusion.

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Counselor

Counselors help people to overcome challenges and improve their lives. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to assess people's needs, develop and implement counseling interventions, and create a culture of support. This course will also help you understand the legal and ethical issues related to counseling, and it will provide you with the tools you need to build a strong team and create a culture of inclusion.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources within an organization, including diversity and inclusion. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to develop and implement diversity and inclusion programs, create a culture of inclusion, and manage employee relations. This course will also help you understand the legal and ethical issues related to diversity and inclusion, and it will provide you with the tools you need to build a strong team and create a culture of inclusion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Facilitator

Facilitators help groups to achieve their goals by providing a structured and supportive environment for discussion and decision-making. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to facilitate group meetings, create a culture of collaboration, and manage conflict. This course will also help you understand the legal and ethical issues related to facilitation, and it will provide you with the tools you need to build a strong team and create a culture of inclusion.

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Corporate Trainer

Corporate Trainers help organizations to develop and deliver training programs to their employees. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to develop and deliver training programs, create a culture of learning, and measure the progress of your initiatives. This course will also help you understand the legal and ethical issues related to corporate training, and it will provide you with the tools you need to build a strong team and create a culture of inclusion.

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Organizational Development Consultant

Organizational Development Consultants help organizations to improve their performance and achieve their goals. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to assess an organization's needs, develop and implement organizational development programs, and create a culture of continuous improvement. This course will also help you understand the legal and ethical issues related to organizational development, and it will provide you with the tools you need to build a strong team and create a culture of inclusion.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people to overcome challenges and improve their lives. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to assess people's needs, develop and implement social work interventions, and create a culture of support. This course will also help you understand the legal and ethical issues related to social work, and it will provide you with the tools you need to build a strong team and create a culture of inclusion.

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Psychologist

Psychologists help people to understand and overcome mental health challenges. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to assess people's needs, develop and implement psychological interventions, and create a culture of support. This course will also help you understand the legal and ethical issues related to psychology, and it will provide you with the tools you need to build a strong team and create a culture of inclusion.

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Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists help people to understand and overcome mental health challenges. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to assess people's needs, develop and implement psychiatric interventions, and create a culture of support. This course will also help you understand the legal and ethical issues related to psychiatry, and it will provide you with the tools you need to build a strong team and create a culture of inclusion.

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Diversity Officer

This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. You will learn how to create an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and respected, and you will gain a deep understanding of the benefits of diversity. This course may also be helpful for those who wish to become a Diversity Officer, as it will help you develop a strong foundation in the concepts and practices of diversity and inclusion.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers work to build community power and create social change. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to organize people, build coalitions, and advocate for change. This course will also help you understand the legal and ethical issues related to community organizing, and it will provide you with the tools you need to build a strong team and create a culture of inclusion.

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Management Consultant

Management Consultants help organizations to improve their performance and achieve their goals. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to assess an organization's needs, develop and implement management consulting solutions, and create a culture of continuous improvement. This course will also help you understand the legal and ethical issues related to management consulting, and it will provide you with the tools you need to build a strong team and create a culture of inclusion.

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