foundational courses - modules 1 to 5
Module 1. Engagement
This module lays the groundwork for linking diversity and inclusion to performance and employee engagement. It explicitly addresses the need to leverage diversity to business results, and does so through an interactive process based on the experience of the participants. This is a powerful experience for any participant who may be cynical or jaded about diversity, as it establishes relevance of participant’s unique experience. It also established relevance of both managerial behaviors and employee behaviors. It explains why they are here, and provides answers to the question “what’s in it for me?”
Module 2. Leadership Inclusion and Performance
This course defines diversity and inclusion, and differentiates it from EEO and Affirmative Action. It clarifies the three dimensions of diversity (human, cultural, and structural) and reinforces that diversity means all employees of the organization. The course focuses on laying the groundwork for linking diversity and inclusion to performance and employee engagement. The course is grounded in the current research on diversity and inclusion, and addresses the reality that bias and culture can create challenges which must be managed to create inclusive environments. Additionally, the course discusses the links between bias and culture and the existence of potential employment barriers in the organization. It works through the employee life cycle with concrete and real examples of how policy can convert to practice in ways that may accelerate the progress of some groups and decelerate the progress of other groups. Finally, the course identifies specific leadership competencies necessary to create inclusive environments.
Module 3. The Business Case
This module is a highly interactive and very popular approach to building the business case for diversity and inclusion. It uses polling technology based on well crafted questions designed to stimulate discussion among the participants. In this way, the business case is revealed to the participants as they discuss topics relevant to them and to their organization. Guided by knowledgeable facilitators, and based in facts, not folklore, this module is adapted to each client, using both the general business case (talent management, retention, productivity, creativity) but also the explicit business case for the client. The demographic transition in the workforce is addressed here, as are any relevant strategic issues facing the organization.
Module 4. Recruiting Diversity
This module is designed specifically for organizational recruiters and addresses how unconscious bias can flow through the recruiting process on both an individual and organizational level. Unconscious bias in interviewing and selection processes is discussed and specific strategies for reducing personal and organizational biases are discussed. The module can be taught as a stand-alone class or as a part of a larger offering.
Module 5. Cross-Cultural Mentoring
This module is designed to provide information and support to mentoring teams where the mentor and protégé may have significant human or cultural differences. These teams have been shown to be highly effective in the retention and promotion of diverse employees as well as providing insight to senior leaders about the organizational climate. However, they are also very difficult to manage and need additional support.