Our World and How to Accept It from Coursera

Thriving organizations strive for equity at all levels. Dynamic global DEI initiatives strengthen connectivity within individual teams and foster cross-cultural collaboration and mutual understanding while encouraging the inclusion of employees from all regions. Broader global relations aside, there also exist country-specific ethnic dynamics that make DEI a critical conversation. Global dynamics present a possible risk (and opportunity) for organizations. In this course, we will focus on how successful DEI initiatives advance business goals, the historical context for DEI work, and definitions of several key terms and concepts. In addition, we will wrap up the importance of creating, leading, implementing and measuring the success of DEI initiatives in the workplace

This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (ME-EM) degree offered on the Coursera platform. The ME-EM is designed to help engineers, scientists, and technical professionals move into leadership and management roles in the engineering and technical sectors. With performance-based admissions and no application process, the ME-EM is ideal for individuals with a broad range of undergraduate education and/or professional experience. Learn more about the ME-EM program at https://www.coursera.org/degrees/me-engineering-management-boulder.

Course logo image credit: Marco Bianchetti. Available on Unsplash at hhttps://unsplash.com/photos/vzFTmxTl0DQ

What's inside

Syllabus

Moving Beyond Yourself to Accept Others

Until recently, diversity, equity, and inclusion were not considered to be an integral part of a company’s strategy. In this lesson, we will focus on how to combine research and strategy to develop a DEI plan.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches skills, knowledge, and/or tools that are highly relevant to industry

Develops professional skills or deep expertise in a particular topic or set of topics

Examines topics that are highly relevant to a range of fields

Taught by an instructor with a recognized reputation for their work in the field

Offers a comprehensive study of one aspect of the human condition

Provides a sound foundation for this and other courses on the topic

Reviews summary

Dei for professionals: concepts and strategies

According to students, 'Our World and How to Accept It' provides a solid foundation in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for professionals. Many found the course content incredibly relevant to their work, particularly modules on inclusive recruiting measures and talent retention strategies. Learners appreciated the instructor's profound insights and the course's ability to break down complex topics into digestible modules. While generally perceived as valuable for leadership positions, some students noted that it serves as a good primer for beginners, suggesting a surface-level depth for those already familiar with DEI concepts, and wished for more case studies or actionable strategies.

Varies in utility based on learner's prior DEI knowledge.

"It didn't go deep enough for someone already familiar with some DEI concepts. Perhaps better for beginners."

"This course felt like it preached to the choir. It didn't offer any new insights if you're already somewhat familiar with DEI."

"The course content is relevant, though some discussions felt a bit surface-level given the complexity of the topics."

Instructor delivers profound and passionate insights.

"The instructor's insights were profound..."

"Solid content. The instructor was knowledgeable and passionate."

Well-organized modules simplify complex DEI topics.

"The way they broke down complex topics into digestible modules made it easy to follow."

"The materials were well-organized, and the pacing was just right for a busy professional."

"It was a very good introduction to DEI, indicating a clear and logical progression through the topics."

Provides valuable insights applicable to professional roles.

"The content on implicit bias and creating inclusive environments was incredibly relevant to my work."

"I appreciated the practical strategies for talent retention. Highly recommend for any HR professional or manager looking to improve DEI."

"I found the module on DEI training effectiveness very useful as our company is planning new initiatives."

Some examples felt dated; a need for more practical how-to.

"Honestly, I was expecting more actionable strategies. It felt like a lot of conceptual overview without enough practical 'how-to.'"

"Some of the examples felt dated, and I didn't feel it helped me much in my current role. More current examples would be beneficial."

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 Our World and How to Accept It with these activities:

Review D&I concepts

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Better prepare by reflecting on your previous knowledge and experiences in diversity and inclusion.

Browse courses on Diversity and Inclusion

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Recall the basic definitions of diversity, equity, and inclusion
Think about your own experiences with D&I and how they have shaped your perspectives
Consider how D&I can impact your career and your personal life
Identify areas where you would like to learn more about D&I

DEI case study analysis

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Apply DEI principles to real-world scenarios to enhance critical thinking and decision-making skills.

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Select compelling case studies that showcase DEI challenges and solutions
Analyze the case studies, identifying key issues and their root causes
Brainstorm and evaluate potential solutions to the challenges presented
Develop strategies to implement the most effective solutions

Exploring Inclusive Leadership Practices

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Enhance leadership skills by learning and practicing inclusive techniques to foster a more equitable and productive work environment.

Browse courses on Inclusive Leadership

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Enroll in online courses or workshops on inclusive leadership
Review materials and engage in discussions to gain insights
Identify opportunities to apply inclusive practices in your own leadership style
Reflect on your experiences and seek feedback to continuously improve your inclusivity

One other activity

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Benchmarking with 'The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups'

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Understand the principles of creating a culture of inclusivity and high performance by analyzing the success factors of exceptional teams.

View Electric cables, their construction and cost,... on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on the key concepts and practices
Identify areas where your organization can improve its culture
Develop a plan to implement the principles of inclusivity and high performance

Career center

Learners who complete Our World and How to Accept It will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Diversity Officer

Diversity Officers are responsible for implementing and maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within an organization. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of DEI and can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role. You will learn how to create and implement DEI plans, recruit and retain a diverse workforce, and conduct training and workshops on DEI topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity Officer

Chief Diversity Officer

Chief Diversity Officers are responsible for leading and managing an organization's DEI initiatives. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role. You will learn how to create and implement DEI plans, recruit and retain a diverse workforce, and conduct training and workshops on DEI topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Diversity Officer

Equity Officer

Equity Officers are responsible for ensuring that all employees have fair and equal opportunities within an organization. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role. You will learn how to create and implement DEI plans, recruit and retain a diverse workforce, and conduct training and workshops on DEI topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Equity Officer

Diversity Consultant

Diversity Consultants help organizations develop and implement DEI initiatives. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role. You will learn how to create and implement DEI plans, recruit and retain a diverse workforce, and conduct training and workshops on DEI topics.

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Inclusion Officer

Inclusion Officers are responsible for developing and implementing a culture of inclusion within an organization. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role. You will learn how to create and implement DEI plans, recruit and retain a diverse workforce, and conduct training and workshops on DEI topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Inclusion Officer

Diversity Educator

Diversity Educators are responsible for developing and implementing diversity education programs for employees. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role. You will learn how to create and implement DEI plans, recruit and retain a diverse workforce, and conduct training and workshops on DEI topics.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee all aspects of human resources for an organization, including DEI initiatives. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role. You will learn how to create and implement DEI plans, recruit and retain a diverse workforce, and conduct training and workshops on DEI topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Diversity and Inclusion Managers are responsible for developing and implementing DEI initiatives within an organization. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role. You will learn how to create and implement DEI plans, recruit and retain a diverse workforce, and conduct training and workshops on DEI topics.

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Diversity Learning and Development Specialist

Diversity Learning and Development Specialists are responsible for developing and implementing diversity learning and development programs for employees. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role. You will learn how to create and implement DEI plans, recruit and retain a diverse workforce, and conduct training and workshops on DEI topics.

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Recruitment Manager

Recruitment Managers are responsible for recruiting and hiring employees. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role. You will learn how to create and implement DEI plans, recruit and retain a diverse workforce, and conduct training and workshops on DEI topics.

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Workplace Culture Manager

Workplace Culture Managers are responsible for developing and implementing a positive and inclusive workplace culture. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role. You will learn how to create and implement DEI plans, recruit and retain a diverse workforce, and conduct training and workshops on DEI topics.

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Talent Acquisition Manager

Talent Acquisition Managers are responsible for recruiting and hiring employees. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role. You will learn how to create and implement DEI plans, recruit and retain a diverse workforce, and conduct training and workshops on DEI topics.

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Organizational Development Manager

Organizational Development Managers are responsible for developing and implementing organizational change initiatives. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role. You will learn how to create and implement DEI plans, recruit and retain a diverse workforce, and conduct training and workshops on DEI topics.

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Training and Development Manager

Training and Development Managers are responsible for developing and implementing training and development programs for employees. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role. You will learn how to create and implement DEI plans, recruit and retain a diverse workforce, and conduct training and workshops on DEI topics.

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Employee Relations Manager

Employee Relations Managers are responsible for managing employee relations within an organization. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role. You will learn how to create and implement DEI plans, recruit and retain a diverse workforce, and conduct training and workshops on DEI topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Employee Relations Manager