Course Description

Everyone has bias. It's a part of the human make up. But when left unchecked, biases can have a negative impact in every interaction. With the vast amount of diversity that makes up our global workforce, the level of complexity and potential conflicts that can arise from unconscious bias is sure to increase. The goal of this course is to underpin the discussion on diversity and inclusion and cultural competence by helping participants move from unconscious to conscious awareness of their own biases.

Through video discussions and self-reflection activities, Dr. Davis will guide participants through several real-world examples of how biases play out in the workplace and how they impact individual and organizational behavior. She will outline their impacts on selection and hiring decisions, collaboration, team effectiveness, and productivity. She will also discuss them in the context of microaggressions, micro advantages, and disadvantages. Dr. Davis will conclude this course with strategies for how participants can and should address bias in the workplace.

What This Course Will Cover


  • Explore the various ways the unconscious mind impacts our interactions with others using theory, research, and experiential exercises.
  • Explain new-neuro and cognitive science research on how the human brain makes decisions that impact not only diversity but in every other human judgement. 
  • Describe how unconscious bias manifests in decision making in every area of the employee life cycle (Hiring, Onboarding, Employee Evaluation, Performance Management, Development, Team Collaboration, Trust-Building, etc.).
  • Explore your own patterns of perception to identify the particular lens through which you see the world.
  • Strategies for how to address bias in the workplace.

What's Included?

  • Interactive Learning

    We find that the educational process is enhanced through interactive learning. Throughout the course Dr. Davis engages participants in their learning process through worksheets, handouts, and quizzes.

  • Fully Customizable

    Are you looking for a more personalized unconscious bias program? We offer the option to customize this course with your organization's branding and a personalized video from your CEO. Three year licensing options are also available for housing on your company's learning management system (LMS).

  • Certificate of Completion

    Who doesn't want to be awarded for their success? Upon successful completion of the video modules and a passing grade on the final quiz, participants will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.

Professional Education Credits

“The use of this seal confirms that this activity has met HR Certification Institute’s® (HRCI®) criteria for recertification credit pre-approval.” 


Dr. Shirley Davis and SDS Global Enterprises, Inc. have passed the rigorous scrutiny of both the The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and has earned their Approved Preferred Provider Certification. This important certification means that SDS Global Enterprises’ programs meet the standards and requirements of the HR profession’s Body of SHRM Competencies and Knowledge instituted by SHRM and HRCI’s strict guidelines for offering HR education. Therefore, SHRM’s Professional Development Credits (PDCs) and HRCI’s continuing Education Credits (CEUs) and Certificates of Completion for programs provided by SDS Global Enterprises may be awarded.


Course curriculum

  • 01
    Introduction
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  • 02
    Module 1 - The Changing Global Workforce--Demographic Disruptions
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    • Module 1.1 - Era of Disruption
    • Module 1.2 Activity - The Global Workforce is Changing Worksheet
    • Module 1.2 - The Global Workforce is Changing
    • Module 1.3 Activity - Demographic Disruptions Worksheet
    • Module 1.3 - Summary and Assessment of Readiness of Demographic Disruptions
  • 03
    Module 2 - Defining Diversity, Inclusion, and Bias
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    • Module 2.1 Activity - Definition of Workplace Diversity Worksheet
    • Module 2.1 - Workplace Diversity Defined
    • Module 2.2 - Inclusion Defined
    • Module 2.3 Activity - Becoming Aware of Your Biases Worksheet
    • Module 2.3 - Becoming Aware of Your Biases
  • 04
    Module 3 - First Impressions, Unconscious Bias Defined, and Microaggressions
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    • Module 3.1 Activity - Trustworthiness and Competence Worksheet
    • Module 3.1 - First Impressions--People Watching
    • Module 3.2 - What is Unconscious Bias and How It's Developed
    • Module 3.3 Activity - Microaggressions Worksheets
    • Module 3.3 - Microaggressions
  • 05
    Module 4 - The Unconscious Mind and Implicit Associations
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    • Module 4.1 Activity - Inattentiveness/Blindspot Worksheet
    • Module 4.1 - The Unconscious Mind
    • Module 4.2 Activity - Implicit Association and Bias Worksheet
    • Module 4.2 - Implicit Association and How it Plays Out in the Workplace
    • Module 4.3 Activity - Which Biases Are Ours Worksheet
    • Module 4.3 - Which Biases Are Ours?
  • 06
    Module 5 - Case Studies
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    • Module 5 Activities - Case Studies and Key Reminders Worksheets
    • Module 5.1 - A Male Perspective Case Study
    • Module 5.2 - New Ideas of Millennial Worker Case Study
    • Module 5.3 - Transgender Employee Case Study
    • Module 5.4 - Case Study Key Reminders
  • 07
    Module 6 - Strategies for Reprogramming and Debiasing the Brain
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    • Module 6 Handout - Practicing Respectful and Inclusive Behaviors Handout
    • Module 6 - Strategies for Reprogramming and Debiasing the Brain
  • 08
    Summary and Takeaways
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    • Summary Video
    • Final Quiz

Pricing options

Bulk pricing options available. Contact [email protected] for further details.

  • Dr. Shirley Davis

    Instructor Bio:

    Dr. Shirley Davis is an accomplished corporate executive, global workforce management expert, a certified leadership coach, and a master of reinvention. She works with leaders at all levels and has worked in more than 30 countries on 5 continents and delivers more than 80 speeches a year. She brings a high-energy, high-content and high-value message to audiences all around the world. She has over 20 years of business experience in a variety of senior and executive leadership roles with Fortune 100 companies and served as the Vice President of Global Diversity and Inclusion and Workplace Strategies for the world’s largest HR membership association, the Society for Human Resource Management. Dr. Davis’ expertise lies in providing solutions and strategies for achieving leadership excellence and in building high performing and inclusive workplace cultures where all talent can thrive. Dr. Davis has also been a featured expert on NBC’s The Today Show, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, CBS News, HR Magazine, Profiles in Diversity Journal, CNN.com, and Inclusion Magazine. She is also a featured author of two popular LinkedIn Learning courses entitled “Leadership Foundations” and “Inclusive Leadership.” She is the author of, “Reinvent Yourself: Strategies for Achieving Success in Every Area of Your Life,” and “The Seat: How to Get Invited to the Table When You are Over-Performing and Undervalued.”

    Shirley Davis

    President, SDS Global Enterprises, Inc.