Description

This interactive professional development course explores the concept of unconscious bias and its impact on workplace dynamics, decision-making, and organizational culture. Through engaging exercises, real-world case studies, and reflective activities, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how implicit attitudes shape perceptions and behaviors — often without conscious awareness. The course empowers learners to recognize their own biases, understand their origins, and develop strategies to mitigate their effects in professional settings. Participants will leave with actionable tools to foster a more inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace.

Instructor: Michelle Govan

Target Audience

This course is designed for employees who are not supervisors, managers, or executives. If you are looking to train your managers, supervisors, or executives on unconscious bias, we recommend Unconscious Bias for Managers, Supervisors, and Executives (BC

Course Objectives

Define unconscious bias and distinguish it from explicit bias

Identify how unconscious bias manifests in workplace behaviors and decisions

Recognize the role of schemas and automatic processing in shaping perceptions

Analyze real-world examples of bias in hiring, evaluation, and team interactions

Reflect on personal biases using structured exercises like the “Circle of Trust”

Apply the “5 Things to Know” framework to understand the nature and impact of bias

Demonstrate awareness of microaggressions and practice respectful communication

Utilize the Four Stages of Competence to assess and guide personal growth

Develop and commit to a personalized action plan to reduce bias in professional roles

Access and use tools like the Implicit Association Test (IAT) to continue learning beyond the session

Subjects

Introduction to Unconscious Bias

The “5 Things To Know” Framework

Schemas and Mental Shortcuts

Types of Unconscious Bias

Bias in Action: Workplace Impacts

Microaggressions and Language

The Four Stages of Competence

Strategies for Change

Tools and Resources