ILRDI006A - Strategic Influence

Course Description

You can’t make strategic change if you don’t understand your role in challenging the systems of which you are a part. As social agents, we reproduce critical social constructs such as norms, status hierarchies, and social identities through our everyday actions and interactions. This is true of every single one of us. If we want to influence change for the better, it's crucial that we understand our own roles in reinforcing complex systems of inequity but also our capacity to leverage personal and collective resources to promote inclusion and equity.

In this course, you will examine the ways in which we as individuals participate in the maintenance structures and behaviors that hinder inclusion and equity. You will also apply frameworks and practice using dialogue-based tools to improve inclusion and equity. You will observe and analyze identity, interpersonal, and intergroup dynamics in the workplace and explore strategies for how to address them.

Participation in three 90-minute synchronous dialogue sessions is a requirement for successful completion of this course. These weekly sessions are led by trained facilitators from Cornell's Intergroup Dialogue Project and will occur on the three Tuesdays during the course from 7:00 - 8:30pm ET.

The Intergroup Dialogue Project (IDP) at Cornell is an academic initiative grounded in theory and practice. In the last few years, IDP has developed and implemented an innovative DEI education model focusing on four key development areas drawn from existing research and internal assessment: human connection, social identity, intergroup communication, and strategic change. Its objectives are to raise awareness and to effect both behavioral and institutional change.

The following course is required to be completed before taking this course:

• Dialogue Across Difference

Faculty Author

Benefits to the Learner

• Examine spheres of influence
• Explore privilege and allyship
• Practice using the LARA model of engaging in dialogue
• Complete a course journal reflecting on key teachings
• Participate in three synchronous practice sessions

Target Audience

• Team managers and supervisors
• Executives responsible for strategic culture efforts
• Anyone interested in creating an inclusive and supportive culture that promotes equal opportunities and treatment of employees