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Moving the Needle at Work

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Debra Korte, Jean Drasgow, and Durriyyah R. Kemp

This course aims to assist managers and aspiring leaders to better understand their own identity, enhance their awareness of their own needs and the needs of others, improve their ability to lead inclusive teams, and create safe and thriving workplace environments where a diversity of opinions and perspectives are welcomed. This course is unique in that it offers real-life personal examples and perspectives, along with research-supported applications, that learners can connect with and immediately implement in workplace environments. As a result of completing this course, learners will be inspired to disrupt workplace inequities, create safe spaces for critical dialogue, lead and inspire diverse teams, embrace difference and creatively solve problems, and communicate effectively for strong interpersonal relationships.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Orientation
The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course. You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines how differences affect the workplace and how leaders can provide solutions and create favorable environments
Emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself in relation to others and how this understanding is key to creating healthy work environments
Provides real-life examples and research-based applications that learners can immediately implement in their work environments
Offers guidance on important topics such as navigating acculturation, fostering inclusivity, and encouraging open dialogue
Teaches methods for communicating empathy, supporting authentic identity, and leading by example
Taught by renowned instructors Debra Korte, Jean Drasgow, and Durriyyah R. Kemp, who are recognized experts in leadership and organizational behavior

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Reviews summary

Practical dei for workplace leaders

According to learners, this course offers highly practical strategies for fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace. Many appreciate the integration of real-life personal examples and research-backed applications, which makes the content relatable and immediately applicable. Students report gaining a deeper self-awareness, enhancing their ability to lead inclusive teams, and improving their empathetic communication skills. While it provides a strong foundation for most, some experienced professionals found the depth of content to be more introductory than advanced, suggesting it's ideal for those new or newer to formal DEI initiatives.
Deepens understanding of identity and diverse perspectives.
"It profoundly enhanced my awareness of my own needs and the needs of others."
"The emphasis on understanding myself in relation to others was foundational and incredibly useful."
"This course shifts your perspective on how differences affect the workplace in a positive way."
Uses personal stories to make complex concepts relatable.
"The instructors did a fantastic job of integrating real-life personal examples with the theory."
"I really connected with the personal examples and perspectives shared; they made it very impactful."
"This course is unique in that it offers real-life personal examples that resonate deeply."
Strengthens empathetic communication for inclusive leadership.
"The module on framing communication for accountable leadership was particularly valuable."
"It helped me communicate effectively for strong interpersonal relationships within my team."
"I learned to foster safe spaces for critical dialogue and inspire diverse teams more effectively."
Provides immediately applicable tools for fostering DEI.
"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."
"The course equips you with actionable insights to lead inclusive teams effectively."
"I feel much more equipped to move the needle at work after completing this course."
Well-suited for beginners, but may be basic for advanced learners.
"While a solid introduction, I was hoping for more advanced strategies or case studies."
"Some topics, while covered well, could have gone into more depth for those already familiar with foundational DEI concepts."
"It's a good starting point for beginners, but I didn't find much new information as an experienced professional."

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 Moving the Needle at Work: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with these activities:
Read "The Culture Code" by Daniel Coyle
Gain insights into how leaders create and maintain inclusive team cultures.
View Flourish on Amazon
Show steps
Explore TED Talks on Inclusive Leadership
Access diverse perspectives and best practices from experts in the field.
Show steps
  • Search for TED Talks on inclusive leadership.
  • Select and watch talks that resonate with your learning goals.
Attend a Workshop on Unconscious Bias and Inclusive Practices
Develop awareness of unconscious biases and learn strategies to mitigate their impact.
Browse courses on Unconscious Bias
Show steps
  • Research and identify workshops on unconscious bias and inclusive practices.
  • Register for and attend a workshop that aligns with your interests.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Volunteer at a Non-Profit Focused on Diversity and Inclusion
Gain practical experience in promoting equity and belonging in organizations.
Browse courses on Diversity and Inclusion
Show steps
  • Identify non-profit organizations aligned with your values.
  • Inquire about volunteering opportunities and express your interest in diversity and inclusion initiatives.
  • Participate in activities that support the organization's mission.
Write a Case Study on a Successful Inclusion Effort
Deepen your understanding of how to implement effective inclusion strategies.
Browse courses on Case study
Show steps
  • Identify a successful inclusion effort within your organization or research one.
  • Interview stakeholders involved in the effort to gather insights.
  • Analyze the case, highlighting key factors that contributed to its success.
  • Write a comprehensive case study, including recommendations for others.
Design an Inclusive Team Policy and Action Plan
Translate theory into practice by creating practical tools to promote inclusion in your workplace.
Browse courses on Action Plan
Show steps
  • Research best practices for creating inclusive team policies and action plans.
  • Consult with colleagues and stakeholders to gather input and perspectives.
  • Draft a team policy and action plan that outlines specific goals, strategies, and responsibilities.
  • Review and finalize the policy and action plan with feedback from relevant parties.

Career center

Learners who complete Moving the Needle at Work: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Diversity Manager
Diversity Managers oversee diversity and inclusion initiatives within organizations. With a course on diversity, equity, and inclusion, you can learn how to build a more inclusive workplace and foster a sense of belonging for all employees. This can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills to create a more positive and productive work environment. The course's focus on fostering a sense of belonging and promoting inclusivity is particularly relevant to the work of a Diversity Manager.
See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity Manager
Inclusion and Diversity Consultant
Inclusion and Diversity Consultants help organizations create more inclusive and equitable workplaces. A course on diversity, equity, and inclusion can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills to assess an organization's current diversity and inclusion status, develop and implement diversity and inclusion initiatives, and evaluate the effectiveness of these initiatives. The course's focus on creating safe and thriving workplace environments is particularly relevant to the work of an Inclusion and Diversity Consultant.
See salaries and explore the career path for Inclusion and Diversity Consultant
Equity and Inclusion Specialist
Equity and Inclusion Specialists work to create more equitable and inclusive workplaces. A course on diversity, equity, and inclusion can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills to assess an organization's current equity and inclusion status, develop and implement equity and inclusion initiatives, and evaluate the effectiveness of these initiatives. The course's focus on creating safe and thriving workplace environments is particularly relevant to the work of an Equity and Inclusion Specialist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Equity and Inclusion Specialist
Diversity and Inclusion Trainer
Diversity and Inclusion Trainers provide training and development on diversity, equity, and inclusion to employees at all levels of an organization. A course on diversity, equity, and inclusion can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills to develop and deliver effective training programs. The course's focus on creating safe and thriving workplace environments is particularly relevant to the work of a Diversity and Inclusion Trainer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Trainer
Chief Diversity Officer
Chief Diversity Officers are responsible for leading diversity and inclusion initiatives within an organization. A course on diversity, equity, and inclusion can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement a comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategy. The course's focus on creating safe and thriving workplace environments is particularly relevant to the work of a Chief Diversity Officer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Diversity Officer
Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager
Diversity and Inclusion Program Managers are responsible for planning and implementing diversity and inclusion programs within an organization. A course on diversity, equity, and inclusion can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement effective programs. The course's focus on creating safe and thriving workplace environments is particularly relevant to the work of a Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager.
See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager
Senior Director of Diversity and Inclusion
Senior Directors of Diversity and Inclusion are responsible for leading diversity and inclusion initiatives within an organization. A course on diversity, equity, and inclusion can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement a comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategy. The course's focus on creating safe and thriving workplace environments is particularly relevant to the work of a Senior Director of Diversity and Inclusion.
See salaries and explore the career path for Senior Director of Diversity and Inclusion
Organizational Development Manager
Organizational Development Managers are responsible for developing and implementing organizational development programs. A course on diversity, equity, and inclusion can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills to create a more inclusive workplace and support organizational change. The course's focus on fostering a sense of belonging and promoting inclusivity is particularly relevant to the work of an Organizational Development Manager.
See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Development Manager
Chief People Officer
Chief People Officers are responsible for leading the human resources function of an organization. A course on diversity, equity, and inclusion can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills to create a more inclusive workplace and attract and retain a diverse workforce. The course's focus on creating safe and thriving workplace environments is particularly relevant to the work of a Chief People Officer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chief People Officer
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers are responsible for managing the human resources of an organization, including recruiting, hiring, training, and development. A course on diversity, equity, and inclusion can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills to create a more inclusive workplace and attract and retain a diverse workforce. The course's focus on creating safe and thriving workplace environments is particularly relevant to the work of a Human Resources Manager.
See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager
Culture and Change Manager
Culture and Change Managers are responsible for managing culture change initiatives within an organization. A course on diversity, equity, and inclusion can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills to create a more inclusive workplace and support organizational change. The course's focus on fostering a sense of belonging and promoting inclusivity is particularly relevant to the work of a Culture and Change Manager.
See salaries and explore the career path for Culture and Change Manager
Talent Acquisition Manager
Talent Acquisition Managers are responsible for recruiting and hiring new employees. A course on diversity, equity, and inclusion can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills to recruit and hire a diverse workforce. The course's focus on fostering a sense of belonging and promoting inclusivity is particularly relevant to the work of a Talent Acquisition Manager.
See salaries and explore the career path for Talent Acquisition Manager
HR Business Partner
HR Business Partners work with business leaders to align HR strategies with business goals. A course on diversity, equity, and inclusion can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills to create a more inclusive workplace and support business leaders in creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The course's focus on fostering a sense of belonging and promoting inclusivity is particularly relevant to the work of an HR Business Partner.
See salaries and explore the career path for HR Business Partner
Employee Relations Manager
Employee Relations Managers are responsible for managing employee relations within an organization, including handling employee grievances, resolving disputes, and developing and implementing employee relations policies. A course on diversity, equity, and inclusion can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills to create a more inclusive workplace and resolve disputes fairly and equitably. The course's focus on fostering a sense of belonging and promoting inclusivity is particularly relevant to the work of an Employee Relations Manager.
See salaries and explore the career path for Employee Relations Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility Managers are responsible for developing and implementing corporate social responsibility programs. A course on diversity, equity, and inclusion can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces. The course's focus on creating safe and thriving workplace environments is particularly relevant to the work of a Corporate Social Responsibility Manager.
See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Moving the Needle at Work: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
The New Jim Crow: Young Readers' Edition
Save
Examines the history and impact of mass incarceration in the United States, particularly on communities of color.
The New Jim Crow: Young Readers' Edition
Paperback
Check
The New Jim Crow: Young Readers' Edition
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Encounter on the Seine
Save
This classic work of American literature explores the history and legacy of racism in the United States.
Encounter on the Seine: Essays (James Baldwin...
Hardcover
$$
Encounter on the Seine: Essays
Kindle Edition
$
The Fantasy Worlds of W.E.B. Du Bois
Save
This seminal work of sociology and literature examines the experiences and struggles of African Americans in the United States.
The Fantasy Worlds of W.E.B. Du Bois
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Selected Letters of Ralph Ellison
Save
This complex and powerful novel explores the themes of identity, race, and invisibility.
The Selected Letters of Ralph Ellison
Paperback
$$
Trading Twelves: The Selected Letters of Ralph...
Paperback
$$
The Selected Letters of Ralph Ellison
Kindle Edition
$$
Trading Twelves: The Selected Letters of Ralph...
Kindle Edition
$$
The Life of Herod the Great
Save
This beloved novel tells the story of a black woman's journey towards self-discovery and empowerment.
The Life of Herod the Great
Paperback
Check
The Life of Herod the Great
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Seeing Whiteness
Save
Provides insights into the ways that white people often avoid or resist discussing race and racism.
Seeing Whiteness: The Essential Essays of Robin...
Paperback
$$
Seeing Whiteness: The Essential Essays of Robin...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Inclusion on Purpose
Save
Provides an intersectional approach to inclusion, considering the multiple dimensions of diversity.
Inclusion on Purpose: An Intersectional Approach to...
Hardcover
$$
Inclusion on Purpose: An Intersectional Approach to...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Be a Revolution
Save
Provides practical advice on how to have productive conversations about race.
Be a Revolution
Paperback
Check
Be a Revolution
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
How to Be an Inclusive Leader, Second Edition
Save
This practical guide provides actionable steps for leaders to build and sustain inclusive workplaces.
How to Be an Inclusive Leader, Second Edition: Your...
Paperback
$$
How to Be an Inclusive Leader [Second Edition]:...
Paperback
$$
How to Be an Inclusive Leader, Second Edition: Your...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Teaching Community
Save
Explores the role of masculinity in creating and maintaining systems of oppression, including racism and sexism.
Teaching Community
Paperback
Check
Teaching Community
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Electric Cables
Save
Explores the key elements of successful team cultures, including diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Electric cables, their construction and cost, 1909...
Leather Bound
$$$
Cover image
Option B
Save
While this book primarily focuses on gender equality, it also touches on the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership.
Option B
Paperback
Check
Option B
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Effort
4 weeks of study, 2.5 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Instructors
Debra Korte
Jean Drasgow
Durriyyah R. Kemp
Language
English
Transcript
tiếng Việt
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines how differences affect the workplace and how leaders can provide solutions and create favorable environments
Emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself in relation to others and how this understanding is key to creating healthy work environments
Provides real-life examples and research-based applications that learners can immediately implement in their work environments
Offers guidance on important topics such as navigating acculturation, fostering inclusivity, and encouraging open dialogue
Teaches methods for communicating empathy, supporting authentic identity, and leading by example
Taught by renowned instructors Debra Korte, Jean Drasgow, and Durriyyah R. Kemp, who are recognized experts in leadership and organizational behavior
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