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Farzana Nayani

Unconscious bias is a widespread phenomenon impacting all organizations in every industry. This issue is top of mind for every workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). If you are a manager you are probably looking for ways to address bias immediately and effectively. If you are an employee at a company, you’re likely wanting to learn more about how to navigate bias or prevent it in your own work. Any student who takes this course will be exposed to the latest concepts of unconscious bias and how to apply it effectively to your own environment, which in turn will impact greater societal change.

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Unconscious bias is a widespread phenomenon impacting all organizations in every industry. This issue is top of mind for every workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). If you are a manager you are probably looking for ways to address bias immediately and effectively. If you are an employee at a company, you’re likely wanting to learn more about how to navigate bias or prevent it in your own work. Any student who takes this course will be exposed to the latest concepts of unconscious bias and how to apply it effectively to your own environment, which in turn will impact greater societal change.

As a DEI practitioner, author, and consultant with over 20 years of experience, I share ideas and best practices from my client work with a wide range of organizations. These tools and strategies are effective in addressing bias in a practical and straightforward way. You will see shifts in how you perceive situations and interact with others, as well as a new look at how to reduce bias in workplace processes. In this course you will see how our decisions, behaviors, and communication with others create greater impact.

In this course, you will:

  • Develop awareness of how unconscious bias is formed

  • Identify the types and forms of bias

  • Explore strategies to mitigate and interrupt bias

  • Gain knowledge about models for responding to instances of bias

  • Plan for how to recover from situations where bias may occur

In this course you will work on the following activities to help you reflect on unconscious bias in the workplace and develop strategies for detecting and overcoming it:

  • Goal-setting

  • Scenario observation & analysis

  • Reflection exercises

  • Glossary of types of bias

  • Bias detection practice

  • Bias recovery checklist

  • Partner accountability worksheet

  • Action planning

  • Review of additional resources for further learning

Taking this course, “Disrupt Unconscious Bias and Improve Your Workplace Culture”, is an important step in the journey of creating awareness of bias in our perceptions and interactions with others, as well as within organizational processes. By reducing bias, we can positively impact the workplace - and ultimately transform society overall.

Let’s get started.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Explore the definitions and origins of unconscious bias
  • Deepen awareness about how unconscious bias is challenging
  • Recognize the types and forms of bias
  • Discover how biases show up in the workplace and in everyday interactions
  • Implement best practices and strategies to address and prevent bias
  • Continue ongoing efforts through action-planning

Syllabus

Introduction
Welcome!
What is Unconscious Bias?
Reflection: Your goals for this course
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides practical tools and strategies for addressing bias, drawing from the instructor's experience as a DEI consultant, author, and practitioner
Offers a glossary of bias types, which can serve as a valuable reference for understanding and identifying different forms of unconscious bias
Includes activities such as scenario observation and analysis, which allows learners to apply concepts to real-world situations and develop critical thinking skills
Explores the concept of microaggressions, which are subtle but offensive comments or actions directed at members of a marginalized group
Requires learners to engage in reflection exercises, which may require a degree of introspection and vulnerability that some learners may find challenging

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Reviews summary

Practical workplace bias strategies

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation and practical strategies for identifying and mitigating unconscious bias, particularly within the workplace. Many found the content to be well-structured and easy to follow, with the instructor being described as knowledgeable and engaging. The activities and reflection exercises were highlighted as valuable components that aid learning and application. While some existing knowledge might mean less new information, students generally found the course's approach actionable and relevant to professional settings, helping them navigate interactions and understand systemic bias. Overall, students report gaining useful tools to address bias effectively.
Well-organized and easy to follow
"The course is well-structured and easy to follow."
"I appreciated the clear organization of topics."
"The pace felt just right."
Instructor is knowledgeable and engaging
"The instructor was excellent and clearly knowledgeable."
"Her expertise made the complex topics easy to grasp."
"I enjoyed the instructor's teaching style."
Activities aid reflection and learning
"The reflection exercises were particularly helpful."
"Useful activities like bias detection practice."
"The scenario analyses were insightful."
Provides solid foundational understanding
"Provides a solid understanding of unconscious bias."
"A great foundational course on this important topic."
"Helped solidify my understanding of different bias types."
Offers practical, applicable strategies
"Offers practical strategies for addressing bias in the workplace..."
"I found the information very useful and actionable..."
"The tools and strategies provided are easy to implement."
"Gave me concrete ways to think about and address bias."
Helps address bias in the workplace
"Highly recommended for anyone looking to navigate the workplace..."
"Directly applicable to my professional life."
"Helped me understand how bias impacts processes at work."

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 Disrupt Unconscious Bias and Improve Your Workplace Culture with these activities:
Read 'Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People'
Deepen your understanding of the psychological roots of unconscious bias.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Blindspot'.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts.
  • Reflect on how the concepts relate to your own experiences.
Review DEI concepts
Solidify your understanding of DEI principles to better grasp the nuances of unconscious bias.
Show steps
  • Review DEI definitions and principles.
  • Reflect on the importance of DEI in the workplace.
Write a blog post on unconscious bias
Solidify your understanding of unconscious bias by explaining it to others.
Show steps
  • Research a specific type of unconscious bias.
  • Write a blog post explaining the bias and its impact.
  • Share your blog post on social media.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice bias detection
Sharpen your ability to recognize unconscious bias in everyday situations.
Show steps
  • Find examples of workplace scenarios.
  • Analyze the scenarios for potential biases.
  • Identify strategies to mitigate the biases.
Develop a DEI training module
Apply your knowledge to create a practical tool for promoting DEI in the workplace.
Show steps
  • Define the target audience and learning objectives.
  • Develop content and activities for the module.
  • Pilot test the module with a small group.
Volunteer at a DEI organization
Gain practical experience in promoting DEI and addressing unconscious bias.
Show steps
  • Research DEI organizations in your area.
  • Contact an organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Volunteer your time and skills to support their mission.
Read 'So You Want to Talk About Race'
Expand your understanding of race and its intersection with unconscious bias.
View Be a Revolution on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'So You Want to Talk About Race'.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts.
  • Reflect on how the concepts relate to your own experiences.

Career center

Learners who complete Disrupt Unconscious Bias and Improve Your Workplace Culture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Diversity and Inclusion Specialist
A Diversity and Inclusion Specialist is dedicated to fostering inclusive environments within organizations. This role involves developing and implementing strategies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. This course will help you understand the pervasive nature and impact of unconscious bias, a cornerstone of diversity work. By taking this course, you will learn how biases form, how they manifest in the workplace, and gain practical strategies to mitigate these biases. You will gain skills in conducting bias detection practices and reviewing workplace processes, which are crucial for creating a truly inclusive workplace. The 'Disrupt Unconscious Bias' course provides essential tools for any aspiring diversity and inclusion specialist.
Recruiter
A Recruiter is responsible for attracting, screening, and selecting candidates for job openings within an organization. This course is very helpful for recruiters because it will educate them on the impact of unconscious bias in the hiring process. By learning about affinity bias, confirmation bias, and attribution bias, a recruiter can develop hiring processes that are inclusive. The course helps by giving a recruiter strategies to avoid biases that could affect candidate evaluations and promote more equitable hiring decisions. By implementing the 'Disrupt Unconscious Bias' course's teachings, recruiters help build diverse and equitable teams.
Organizational Development Consultant
An Organizational Development Consultant works with organizations to improve their effectiveness and health, often focusing on culture and processes. This course aids a consultant by offering important techniques and perspectives on how unconscious bias effects an organization. By understanding how biases form and manifest at all levels of the company, consultants can develop targeted interventions leading to positive change. The 'Disrupt Unconscious Bias' course also provides a framework for reviewing workplace processes and developing strategies to mitigate bias in hiring, promotion, and team dynamics. The activities of the course, such as scenario observation and analysis, are similar to the work of an organizational development consultant, making it a good fit.
Human Resources Manager
A Human Resources Manager oversees people-related functions within an organization, including recruitment, employee relations, and training. This course aids a human resources manager by providing valuable insights into how unconscious bias impacts workplace interactions and decision-making. By learning about the types of bias, particularly affinity bias and confirmation bias, and how to address them, a Human Resources manager can improve hiring processes and employee development plans. The strategies in the 'Disrupt Unconscious Bias' course are directly applicable to promoting fairer and more equitable practices in human resource management. This course helps HR managers implement best practices and strategies to address and prevent bias.
Training and Development Coordinator
A Training and Development Coordinator designs and delivers programs aimed at enhancing employee skills and knowledge. This course is helpful for a Training and Development Coordinator because it equips them with the understanding and tools necessary to create and deliver impactful training on unconscious bias. A coordinator must also review the material they choose for training purposes. This course specifically delves into how to mitigate and interrupt bias in workplace dynamics, which improves both interpersonal communication and overall organizational culture. The course’s focus on scenario analysis and the development of action plans gives the coordinator a framework for creating realistic and effective initiatives. A coordinator will be able to build training that helps employees address bias.
Team Leader
A Team Leader manages a group of employees, ensuring they work effectively towards shared goals. This course helps a team leader by providing the necessary knowledge to understand the impact of unconscious bias on team dynamics and performance. By understanding concepts like affinity and attribution bias, a leader can better manage their team and make fairer decisions. The course helps a team leader design team processes that are equitable and include strategies for mitigating bias. The 'Disrupt Unconscious Bias' course not only enhances a team leader's awareness but gives them practical tools to foster a more inclusive and productive environment.
Mediator
A Mediator facilitates discussions between parties to help them resolve disputes, often in the workplace. This course is valuable for a mediator because it helps them understand how unconscious bias can influence conflicts and the perceptions of the parties involved. By understanding the different types of bias and their effects, the mediator can facilitate conversations that address underlying issues of bias. The course's focus on strategies for mitigating bias and recovering from instances of bias gives the mediator practical tools. Taking the 'Disrupt Unconscious Bias' course enhances a mediator's ability to build trust and promote fair resolutions.
Employee Relations Specialist
An Employee Relations Specialist addresses workplace issues and conflicts, aiming to maintain a positive work environment. This course is well-suited to an Employee Relations Specialist because it helps them see how unconscious bias can contribute to conflicts and negative employee experiences. It teaches how to identify and address various forms of bias and how to implement strategies for mitigating them. The course gives an Employee Relations Specialist a framework for responding to instances of bias and for helping to work toward recovery. By using the tools from the course, an Employee Relations Specialist can foster a more equitable and respectful workplace.
Management Consultant
A Management Consultant provides expert advice to organizations across various industries to improve their operations and strategic direction. This course is beneficial because it addresses the pervasive issue of unconscious bias, impacting every facet of organizational effectiveness. Management consultants who understand how bias affects decision-making, team dynamics, and overall workplace culture can help organizations develop and implement more effective strategies. Consultants can use the framework for reviewing workplace processes and developing strategies to mitigate bias found in the course. The 'Disrupt Unconscious Bias' course delivers tools that enhance a management consultant's ability to drive positive change.
Project Manager
A Project Manager coordinates resources and teams to successfully complete projects on time and within budget. This course is helpful as it gives them tools to create an inclusive team environment, which can lead to better project results. By understanding the various types of bias, like microagressions and cultural fit, project managers can make sure everyone is heard and respected. The course also helps in designing project plans and processes that are free from bias. The 'Disrupt Unconscious Bias' course provides valuable tools for building and managing successful and equitable project teams.
Community Organizer
A Community Organizer works to empower communities and advocate for their needs with specific attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This course may be useful as it helps them understand the impact of unconscious bias in community dynamics. By learning about the different types of bias and how they form, a Community Organizer can create more inclusive events and processes. The course's focus on mitigating and responding to bias can be applied to community settings. The 'Disrupt Unconscious Bias' course helps a community organizer build a more equitable community.
Academic Advisor
An Academic Advisor guides students in making informed decisions about their academic paths and future careers. This course may be useful because it helps an academic advisor recognize how unconscious biases can impact their interactions with students. An academic advisor can utilize this course to create an environment that is equitable and values diverse perspectives. The course provides a framework for strategies to address and interrupt bias. Taking the 'Disrupt Unconscious Bias' course helps advisors to build a more equitable and inclusive environment for their students.
Social Worker
A Social Worker provides support and assistance to individuals, families, and communities facing challenges. This course may be useful because its teachings on unconscious bias are applicable in social work interactions. By understanding how biases affect perceptions and decisions, social workers can ensure they are providing equitable and unbiased support to everyone. The course’s focus on bias in workplace processes can be directly applied to ensure that resources are distributed fairly. The 'Disrupt Unconscious Bias' course helps social workers build awareness of bias and implement best practices in their work.
Public Relations Specialist
A Public Relations Specialist manages a company's public image and communications. This course may be useful because understanding unconscious bias is critical for effective and inclusive messaging. A Public Relations Specialist can apply the course's teachings to ensure that their communications resonate with diverse audiences. The course provides a framework that can help create content that reduces bias, addresses bias when it occurs, and recovers from bias. Taking the 'Disrupt Unconscious Bias' course helps a public relations specialist to build a more inclusive communication strategy.
Market Research Analyst
A Market Research Analyst studies market trends and consumer behavior to provide insights for business strategy. This course may be useful because understanding the impact of unconscious bias on consumer behavior can be very valuable. This course can help Market Research analyst design surveys and data analysis plans that are free of bias. The course’s focus on how bias forms and appears can be applied to better understand how opinions and attitudes change. By taking the 'Disrupt Unconscious Bias' course, analysts can produce more precise and representative market research.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Disrupt Unconscious Bias and Improve Your Workplace Culture.
Provides a comprehensive overview of unconscious biases, how they operate, and their impact on decision-making. It valuable resource for understanding the psychological underpinnings of bias, which is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies. The book offers practical insights and real-world examples that complement the course material, making it a highly recommended read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of unconscious bias.
Provides a clear and accessible guide to understanding and discussing race in America. It covers a wide range of topics, including privilege, microaggressions, and systemic racism. Reading this book will provide a broader context for understanding unconscious bias and its impact on marginalized groups. It valuable resource for anyone seeking to engage in meaningful conversations about race and promote equity.

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