Foundations of Diversity and Inclusion at Work TeachOut

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/foundations-of-diversity-and-inclusion-at-work-teachout

Introduction

### Course Review: Foundations of Diversity and Inclusion at Work TeachOut In the wake of global movements advocating for racial equity and social justice, the "Foundations of Diversity and Inclusion at Work TeachOut" course available on Coursera emerges as a timely and essential educational experience. Developed by six distinguished professors from The Darden School of Business, this course strives to equip individuals and organizations with the tools needed to foster a more inclusive workplace and address critical issues around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). #### Overview of the Course Launched in response to the heightened societal focus on inequities and race, the course seeks to inform participants not just about the theoretical underpinnings of DEI but also about actionable strategies that can lead to meaningful change. It is structured to guide students through an understanding of the contemporary challenges we face in creating equitable workplaces and provides practical knowledge to tackle these issues thoughtfully. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Organizations** This first module sets the stage for understanding DEI in the workplace. It facilitates discussions among leading academics, illuminating how societal challenges resonate within organizational contexts. Participants will gain insight into personal and systemic barriers that hinder diversity efforts. This foundational understanding is crucial for effectively positioning diverse individuals within organizations and influencing corporate culture positively. The module emphasizes the importance of recognizing our personal histories with race and how they shape our workplace behaviors. By the end of this segment, participants will be inspired to reflect on their role in promoting DEI and leading necessary changes in their organizations. 2. **Taking Action to Create Change** The second module takes a hands-on approach by encouraging participants to develop a business case for diversity and inclusion. Here, learners are taught to facilitate difficult conversations that unpack biases—both systematic and individual—that can impede organizational success. With practical strategies in hand, participants will learn how to address these biases constructively, thereby sharpening their leadership capabilities. The focus on leveraging differences and developing resilience—what the professors refer to as "inner grit and grace"—is particularly unique to this course. It empowers individuals to engage in effective dialogues about identity, power dynamics, and the emotional labor often associated with conversations about race and equity. #### Recommendations The "Foundations of Diversity and Inclusion at Work TeachOut" course is highly recommended for anyone interested in becoming a more informed advocate for inclusion within their workplace. Here are a few reasons why: - **Expert Insight**: Learning from a panel of esteemed scholars equips participants with a deep understanding of DEI issues grounded in research and practice. - **Practical Application**: The focus on actionable strategies means that learners can immediately apply what they learn within their organizations, making it not just theoretical but transformational. - **Interactive Learning**: The conversational format encourages engagement and participation, fostering a sense of community among learners tackling similar issues within their respective organizations. - **Timely and Relevant**: In an era when organizations are under scrutiny regarding their diversity practices, this course provides a much-needed roadmap for meaningful culture change. In conclusion, whether you are an organizational leader, an HR professional, or simply someone passionate about fostering inclusivity, the "Foundations of Diversity and Inclusion at Work TeachOut" course offers invaluable resources and insights. It prepares participants to not only engage in essential conversations about diversity and inclusion but to also effect positive change that resonates throughout their professional environments. Enroll today and embark on a journey of learning that promises to enhance not only your professional skills but also contributes to creating a fairer and more just workplace for all.

Syllabus

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Organizations

The first module of this teachout is designed to enable you to identify and counteract the challenges of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. Through a dynamic conversation among six leading scholars from The Darden School of Business, you'll learn how the societal issues of diversity, equity and inclusion are reflected in our workplaces, how advancing diversity and equity efforts requires us to think about the ways in which we position people in organizations, and how our individual histories with race affect how we bring our best selves to work. You'll also learn how to begin to address the challenges of leading change in diversity, equity and inclusion in your organization.

In this module, you'll learn how to develop a business case for diversity and inclusion and implement it through tough conversations. You'll be able to identify the systematic biases, individual biases, and institutional biases that get in the way of organizations operating at peak capacity, and use strategies for addressing these issues calmly and constructively. You also learn how to leverage difference in organizations, and how to practice the skills for cultivating inner grit and grace needed to lead mindfully and have honest and skillful conversation about identity, pain and power.