What you learn:
- Use inclusive language and active listening techniques
- Recognize escalation triggers and respond calmly
- Apply de-escalation strategies in meetings and digital channels
- Adapt communication for diverse teams
Description:
This course focuses on communication strategies that reduce friction, prevent misinterpretation, and build trust. You will examine patterns of miscommunication and practice de-escalation techniques in a variety of scenarios, including cross-cultural contexts and virtual settings.
Participants will leave with practical scripts and templates to apply in daily interactions and meetings.
Overview
Systemic bias refers to entrenched practices that create unequal opportunities for different groups. It can appear in policies, procedures, and the overall culture.
Common sources
- Hiring criteria that favor existing networks
- Promotion and pay practices that overlook underrepresented groups
- Unwritten norms that privilege certain communication styles
Identify in practice
Review hiring data, promotion rates, and pay equity. Look for persistent gaps across protected characteristics. Conduct confidential employee surveys to capture experiences of bias.
Mitigation strategies
- Standardize selection criteria and use structured interviews.
- Use diverse interview panels and objective scoring rubrics.
- Regular audits of policies and outcomes with accountable reporting.
Relation to harassment prevention
Addressing bias reduces power imbalances that enable harassment and promotes fair treatment for all employees.