Course Description
Strong team relationships are the foundation of organizational success. Increasingly, research shows that diverse teams—when effectively supported—consistently outperform more homogeneous groups, leading to greater innovation, stronger decision-making, and higher profitability. However, realizing these benefits requires more than just assembling a diverse group; it demands intentional effort to cultivate an inclusive and collaborative culture.
This course explores both the advantages and the complexities that come with leading and participating in diverse teams. Participants will examine common challenges that can arise—such as communication barriers, unconscious bias, and conflict dynamics—and gain practical tools to address them. Through a combination of self-assessment, interactive learning, and evidence-based strategies, learners will enhance their ability to contribute meaningfully to their teams and support a culture of equity and inclusion.
Course Outline
- Module 1: Understanding Key Components of High Performing Teams
- Module 2: Organizational Culture
- Module 3: Building Strategies to Optimize Diverse Teams
What You Will Learn
Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:
- Recognize and leverage the unique strengths that diversity brings to team performance;
- Navigate the interpersonal and organizational challenges that can accompany diversity;
- Strengthen their own role in fostering effective, high-performing teams;
- Align team efforts with broader organizational goals for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Microcredential
This course provides learners with the opportunity to earn a microcredential. A microcredential is evidence of a skill or competency that is employment related. Dalhousie microcredentials are developed in collaboration with employers, industries, and/or organizations that relate to the content. A microcredential can be displayed on social media pages, digital resumes, personal webpages, and in email signatures. To earn the microcredential in this course, learners will need to successfully complete a competency-based assessment.
Notes
By enrolling in this course, you will be automatically enrolled in the Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. This certificate consists of four courses. You are not required to take the courses in order, but it is recommended that you take OLCD-IDEA0004 after completing the first three courses in the certificate (OLCD-IDEA0001, 0002, 0003).
For assistance or more information, please contact openlearning@dal.ca.
The Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development recommends an intermediate level of English language proficiency for the most effective learning and participation in our online and face-to-face courses. A list of minimum recommended scores on some common English tests can be found on our website. If you have questions about your English language proficiency and ability to succeed in this course, please contact openlearning@dal.ca.
Recommended For
- Anyone interested in learning how to advance the agenda on diversity and inclusion within their respective organization
Testimonials
"Practicing EDI requires grit, sound knowledge, understanding, and the tenacity to constantly pursue knowledge. I found this course to be comprehensive with impactful, and culturally responsive materials that are applicable to real life scenarios in the workplace. Most interestingly were the human interactions that were encouraged through participatory learning and the overall learner-centred approach that provided learners with the opportunity to role play a diverse workforce and exposed them to differences and what it is really like working in a multi-cultural space.
In short, this course evoked ideas and difficult topics that nurtures the grit that is an asset to practicing EDI. Congratulations to the well-learned instructor. I recommend this course."
~ Kenisha Gordon, Diversity Specialist, Municipality of County of Kings
"This was one of the most informative courses I have taken. Although there is a lot of content, I have learned so much. Crystal is so very engaging as a facilitator. I think this course would be good for anyone - not just diverse teams. As a leader, the information that is in this course is invaluable. I would highly recommend this course to anyone that wants to learn more about the future of diverse teams."
~ Lisa Youssef, Province of Nova Scotia
"Compact course that will expand your thinking, outlook and action as it relates to diverse team performance. The course provides theory and tangible concepts and actionable takeaways that can be applied to your business or workplace. Great course!"
~ Kelli Ransome
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Certificate in Building Positive Workplace Cultures : Electives
- Diploma in Executive Fire Leadership : Electives
- Diploma in General Fire Leadership : Elective - Certificate in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility in the Fire Service
- Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion : Required courses
- Certificate in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Fire Service : Required
- Certificate in Police Supervisory Skills : Electives
Jude was born in Sheet Harbour, NS and is a member of the Millbrook First Nation. He has worked for several federal departments including the RCMP, Correctional Services Canada, and Veteran’s Affairs. He has also worked for many departments within the Nova Scotia public service, including Education and Early Childhood Education, (where he helped established Treaty Education in Nova Scotia) Communities Culture and Heritage, the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, and currently is the Senior Engagement Advisor for the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives. Jude has worked at a number of Post Secondary Institutions in Nova Scotia and served on the National Indigenous Education Advisory Committee for Colleges and Institutions Canada. Jude has been a speaker at national and international conferences on systemic oppression and racial identity. He was the first Canadian to be trained as a facilitator in Beyond Diversity2, Courageous Conversations about Race, and received an Award of Recognition from the Pacific Educational Group for his work in reducing the achievement gap for First Nation and African Canadian students. Most recently he received his Certified Diversity Executive designation from the Institute for Diversity Certification in Indianapolis, Indiana and was the first Mi’kmaq employee to be awarded the NS Premier’s Award of Excellence. 
Shakira Weatherdon is an experienced leader of complex and institution wide initiatives, ensuring genuine and intentional collaboration, and responsiveness to organizational needs; particularly those that meet current and future needs of equity-deserving persons. She is a skilled change manager who strategically and collaboratively leads organizations towards evidence-based policy decision making to ensure equitable and inclusive public service. She is the founder of Black Girls Gather, a non-profit with a mission to equip young, Black women entrepreneurs with the tools, strategies and networks they need to build and scale up successful ventures and attaching new Black women graduates to meaningful employment opportunities. Her passions include supporting organizations to create safer, more welcoming, and inclusive environments and cultivating Black Girl Magic and Black Boy Joy. Shakira received her MA in Gender and Peacebuilding from the United Nations mandated University for Peace and her Honors Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Development Studies from the University of Toronto.