By the end of this 6-hour session, participants will be able to:
- Explain core DEI concepts
Clearly define diversity, equity, and inclusion, distinguish among them, and describe how each one influences team culture, engagement, and results.
- Identify the benefits and challenges of diverse teams
Recognize how diversity strengthens innovation and decision quality, while also naming common friction points that can emerge if inclusion is weak.
- Recognize unconscious bias in leadership decisions
Spot typical bias patterns in hiring, delegation, communication, performance evaluation, and day-to-day interactions, and describe their impact on fairness and trust.
- Apply practical strategies to reduce bias
Use at least three evidence-informed techniques (e.g., structured decision tools, perspective-checking, bias interrupters) to make more equitable leadership choices.
- Demonstrate inclusive leadership behaviors
Practice communication and leadership approaches that promote belonging, respect, and accountability across differences (e.g., inclusive meetings, equitable feedback, shared voice).
- Build psychological safety within their teams
Implement specific leader actions that increase openness, learning, and candor, and reduce fear of speaking up.
- Respond constructively to tension or conflict across differences
Use a simple dialogue or conflict-navigation framework to address misunderstandings, micro-exclusions, or value clashes without escalating harm.
- Create a personal inclusion action plan
Draft a realistic 30–60 day plan with 2–3 commitments to strengthen inclusion, equity, and team performance in their own workplace.
Course Content:
Module 1: Introduction & Setting the Stage (30 minutes)
- Welcome, objectives, and agenda overview
- Importance of diversity and inclusion in today’s workplace
- Benefits and challenges of leading diverse teams
- Participant introductions and initial reflections (icebreaker activity)
Module 2: Understanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (45 minutes)
- Definitions: Diversity vs. Equity vs. Inclusion
- Exploring dimensions of diversity (visible and invisible)
- The business case and ethical imperative for DEI
- Group discussion: Sharing experiences with diversity in teams
Module 3: Self-Awareness & Unconscious Bias (60 minutes)
- What is unconscious bias and how it affects leadership?
- Identifying personal biases through self-assessments and reflection
- Impact of bias on team dynamics and decision-making
- Strategies to mitigate bias in everyday leadership
- Breakout activity: Bias recognition scenarios and group discussion
Module 4: Building Psychological Safety & Inclusive Communication (60 minutes)
- Concept of psychological safety and its importance for diverse teams
- Communication styles and adapting to diverse perspectives
- Active listening, empathy, and giving inclusive feedback
- Role-playing exercises: Practicing inclusive conversations
Module 5: Inclusive Decision-Making & Conflict Management (45 minutes)
- Inclusive decision-making frameworks
- Recognizing and addressing bias in hiring, promotions, and team decisions
- Strategies for managing conflicts constructively in diverse teams
- Case study: Analyzing a team conflict scenario
Module 6: Leading Inclusive Teams & Allyship (45 minutes)
- Characteristics of inclusive leaders
- Building trust and fostering belonging
- The role of allyship: Supporting marginalized voices
- Interactive activity: Developing allyship action plans
Module 7: Action Planning & Sustaining Change (45 minutes)
- Recap of key learnings
- Developing personalized action plans for leading diverse teams
- Tools and resources for continuous learning and accountability
- Group sharing of action plans and commitment pledges
Supplement Material
A student manual is available for the learner to follow during the instructor’s presentation.
Benefits to the participants
Throughout the activities, the participants will gain a better understanding of how to lead a diverse team and the importance for the team to be unified to achieve the same goal.
Course Evaluation
A course evaluation will be completed by the learners once the course is finished.
Note: The course outline may be subject to change.
