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Corporate leadership training

Inclusive Leadership Training Course in Austria

Develop leaders who make every voice count: asking open questions and listening reflectively, welcoming dissent, making decisions others help shape, mediating across differences and using their own privilege to speak up for those left out, through practical, hands-on training.

  • In-person, virtual
    or blended
  • Customised for
    your organisation
  • Delivered worldwide,
    including Austria
  • For leaders, educators
    and community advocates

Course overview

What Is Inclusive Leadership?

Inclusive leadership is the practice of leading so that people of every identity feel heard, valued and empowered, and not merely tolerated. Drawing on psychology, sociology and organisational behaviour, the course builds the habits behind it: humility and empathy, insight into bias, privilege and power, psychological safety, open decisions, collaboration across diverse teams, constructive dialogue and the courage to act.

Interactive workshops, engaging discussions and real-world case studies let participants practise reflective listening, mediation and inclusive decision-making, in the organisations, industries and teams leaders in Austria lead, including remote ones.

Drawing leaders from diverse backgrounds, industries and cultures, from Vienna and Salzburg to cities across Austria, the course treats inclusivity as the cornerstone of effective leadership: creating environments where every voice is heard, valued and empowered, and where diversity is celebrated rather than merely tolerated.

Why it matters

Why Inclusive Leadership Matters in Austria

Organisations in Austria bring together people of different backgrounds, industries and cultures. Leaders who grasp power dynamics, open recruitment and promotion fairly and handle conflict constructively turn that diversity into innovation.

  • Divisions slow progress

    Diverse teams fall short of their potential when power dynamics and mistrust keep groups apart.

  • Silence hides problems

    People who sense their view is unwelcome keep quiet about risks and new ideas.

  • Barriers are often invisible

    Job descriptions, interviews and promotion routines can disadvantage people without intending to.

  • Cohesion builds futures

    Inclusive leaders help shape a future in Austria where every voice matters.

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The Knowles leadership approach

From Insight to Impact

The six steps map the cycle inclusive leaders go round again and again, from owning their commitment to inclusion to tracking whether they honour it, with the emphasis on how leaders act, not only on policy.

Inclusive leadership in action

  1. 1. CommitWhy does it matter to me?
  2. 2. ListenWhom have I not heard?
  3. 3. InviteIs it safe to disagree?
  4. 4. ShareWho decides with us?
  5. 5. ChallengeWho is being left out?
  6. 6. OwnAm I acting on it?

Key benefits

Why Organisations Choose This Course

This programme helps your leaders and your organisation to:

  • Every Voice Heard

    Open-ended questions draw ideas from every team member.

  • Better-Tested Ideas

    Diversity of thought sharpens solutions and keeps teams adaptable.

  • Decisions People Accept

    Choices that carry weight because colleagues helped shape them.

  • Bridges Between Groups

    Constructive dialogue that reconciles colleagues and teams in conflict.

  • Fairer Access

    Recruitment and promotion that open doors to wider talent.

  • Leaders Who Model Respect

    Leaders who act with authenticity and integrity and inspire others to follow.

Have questions about this course?

Our team is happy to help. Send us a message and we will get back to you within one business day.

Contact Us
A facilitator pointing to a flip chart reading Learn, Practise and Lead as participants around a table listen and take notes

Course curriculum

A practical and structured learning journey.

Twelve units in three stages progress from the leader’s own identity, privilege and habits, through the norms that keep diverse teams inclusive, to driving inclusion across the organisation and against resistance.

  • Unit 1

    Inclusive Traits

    • Discover six traits of inclusive leaders, grounded in organisational behaviour.
    • Reflect on your own privilege and power alongside those traits.
    • Set priorities for your personal development.
  • Unit 2

    Humble Listening

    • Use reflective listening to validate what others share.
    • Ask open-ended questions instead of offering answers.
    • Invite the stories of those seldom consulted.
  • Unit 3

    Deep Empathy

    • Explore how intersecting identities shape experience at work.
    • Take the perspective of people you disagree with.
    • Respond to frustration with empathy, not defence.
  • Unit 4

    Systemic Barriers

    • Examine how bias and power dynamics influence opportunity.
    • Evaluate recruitment and promotion for hidden obstacles.
    • Decide which obstacles are yours to remove.
  • Unit 5

    Psychological Safety

    • Create psychological safety so diverse views are voiced.
    • Take bad news calmly and look for causes, not culprits.
    • Acknowledge those who raise issues early.
  • Unit 6

    Inviting Dissent

    • Seek out contrary views at the start of a decision.
    • Set norms that help every member contribute.
    • Debate openly while keeping respect intact.
  • Unit 7

    Sharing Decisions

    • Agree team norms for who is consulted and how.
    • Involve affected colleagues in the choice.
    • Show how input influenced the final decision.
  • Unit 8

    Collaborating Widely

    • Build teams that combine diverse ideas and skills.
    • Open mentorship and sponsorship to underrepresented staff.
    • Use mediation to resolve interpersonal conflict.
  • Unit 9

    Constructive Dialogue

    • Facilitate dialogue that leads towards reconciliation.
    • Set guidelines for respectful, honest exchange.
    • Turn disputes into agreed actions.
  • Unit 10

    Inclusive Services

    • Make remote and hybrid work inclusive for all.
    • Use surveys and focus groups to hear diverse needs.
    • Adjust policies to accommodate different needs.
  • Unit 11

    Policy Advocacy

    • Promote fair practice within legal and ethical limits.
    • Build coalitions with stakeholders to drive change.
    • Track progress with meaningful indicators.
  • Unit 12

    Courage to Act

    • Use your privilege to advocate for marginalised colleagues.
    • Answer for how inclusively you lead.
    • Address resistance through dialogue and education.

Course agenda

Two-day course agenda.

A sample agenda showing how the two days run, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The final agenda is agreed with you.

Day oneThe inclusive leader

Welcome, objectives and introductions

Inclusive traits

Morning break

Humble listening

Lunch

Deep empathy

Systemic barriers

Afternoon break

Psychological safety

Day one reflection

Close

Day twoInclusive teams and communities

Recap and goals for the day

Inviting dissent

Morning break

Sharing decisions

Lunch

Collaborating widely

Constructive dialogue and inclusive services

Afternoon break

Policy advocacy

Courage to act and action planning

Close

Participant resources

What participants receive.

A practical set of resources to support learning during the course and application afterwards.

  • Course Workbook

    Content, summaries and activities for every unit.

  • Templates and Worksheets

    Ready-to-use tools to apply learning at work.

  • Action Plan Template

    Turn learning into clear next steps.

  • Job Aids and Quick Guides

    Key models, checklists and frameworks for daily use.

  • Digital Resources

    Additional materials to revisit after the course.

  • Certificate of Completion

    Recognition of the training completed.

A facilitator taking notes on a clipboard as two participants practise a workplace conversation at a round table, with colleagues looking on

Practical application

From theory to real workplace impact.

Participants try each idea out through case studies and exercises: reflective listening, testing a choice against dissent, mediating between colleagues in conflict and reviewing a hiring process for barriers, all drawn from the diverse teams leaders in Austria manage.

  • Listening Circles

    Share stories in small groups, using open questions and reflecting back what you hear.

  • Dissent Rounds

    Ask each member to argue against a proposal before the team agrees.

  • Dialogue Simulation

    Mediate a role-played dispute between colleagues in a diverse team.

  • Barrier Mapping

    Evaluate a job description and interview process for barriers.

Who should attend

Designed for leaders who want every voice heard.

Ideal for executives, HR professionals, entrepreneurs, team leaders, educators, academics and recent graduates from any industry who want to make inclusivity the cornerstone of how they lead, at work, in teaching or in the community.

  • ExecutivesSteer complex organisations inclusively.
  • Team LeadersKeep diverse and remote teams connected.
  • EducatorsBring inclusive practice into teaching.
  • Civil Society StaffAdvocate for marginalised groups.
  • Young LeadersLead inclusively from their first role.
  • Community AdvocatesFoster understanding between groups.

Course format and delivery

Flexible options to suit your organisation.

Choose the format and duration that fit your schedule and learning needs, whether at your workplace in Austria, online or a mix of both.

  • In-Person Training

    Delivered at your organisation in Austria or at a suitable venue.

  • Virtual Training

    Interactive, engaging live online delivery.

  • Blended Learning

    A combination of in-person and virtual sessions.

  • Customised Training

    Tailor case studies, organisation focus, delivery mode, modules and duration. Explore Customized Training

  • Typical Duration2 Full Days9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also available as a 1-day, half-day, 90-minute or 60-minute session.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites and experience level.

No prior experience is required. The course suits leaders at any level and in any sector and works well for mixed groups.

  • No formal prerequisites

    Open to anyone committed to fairness and unity.

  • All experience levels

    From students and young leaders to executives.

  • Designed for mixed groups

    People of different backgrounds learn from each other.

  • Ready to take part

    Bring an open mind and a real situation to work on.

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Course framework

A structured approach to developing leaders.

The framework blends theory with practice in a cycle: learn the principle, test it in workshops, reflect on your own privilege and choices, then apply it with your team and organisation.

  • Practical and Actionable

    Tools to use in the next meeting or hiring round.

  • Relevant to Austria

    Reflects the diverse industries and teams leaders work in locally.

  • Behaviour First

    Inclusion shown through conduct and integrity.

The inclusive leadership cycle

  1. 1. LearnCore leadership principles
  2. 2. ExploreCase studies and discussion
  3. 3. PractiseRole-plays and simulations
  4. 4. ReflectSelf-assessment and journaling
  5. 5. ApplyReal-world projects
  6. 6. GrowMentoring and peer support

Key learning outcomes

From knowledge to lasting leadership impact.

By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:

  • 01

    Model inclusive habits

    Lead with authenticity in ways that help people feel valued.

  • 02

    Listen with humility

    Use reflective listening and open questions to grasp others’ experiences.

  • 03

    Make it safe to speak

    Create norms that let people voice diverse viewpoints safely.

  • 04

    Share decisions

    Let colleagues shape choices and show how they did.

  • 05

    Open dialogue

    Mediate conflict and keep dialogue constructive.

  • 06

    Act with courage

    Use your privilege to challenge exclusion and own your conduct.

A confident team leader in a blue blazer smiling as she leads a team meeting, with colleagues seated around the table in the foreground

The real test of inclusive leadership is whether the quietest person in the room believes their view will change something.

A participant placing sticky notes reading Role Play, Case Study and Feedback around a hand-drawn Action Plan circle on a workshop table

Example exercises and tools

Learn by doing.

Hands-on exercises and reflection tools help participants look honestly at their own conduct and turn what they learn into team norms.

Interactive workshops, engaging discussions and real-world case studies reflect situations leaders in Austria may face, from rewriting a job description so it attracts a wider pool of talent to mediating a tense disagreement within a diverse team. Participants learn alongside executives, HR professionals and entrepreneurs from other industries and leave with an action plan for their own organisation.

  • Trait Self-Check

    Rate your inclusive behaviours and choose the first to improve.

  • Airtime Tracker

    Count who speaks in meetings, in person and online.

  • Consultation Plan

    Sketch out who should have input on a decision and how.

  • Courage Script

    Plan words to challenge bias or resistance calmly.

Assessment

Assessment and learning progress.

A mix of steps before, during and after the programme keeps learning relevant and turns it into action.

Step 1

Before the training

Share your goals and team context.

Agree the objectives and focus areas.

Confirm the format, timing and group.

Step 2

During the training

Role-plays, simulations and practical exercises.

Feedback from experienced leaders as skills develop.

Group discussion and reflection.

Step 3

After the training

A personal action plan for the workplace.

Self-assessment and guided journaling to track progress.

Ongoing learning through peers, mentors and the alumni network.

Workplace application

Relevant to your context.

Participants put the tools to work in organisations across Austria, from inclusive team meetings, in person or remote, to hiring rounds and conversations with groups that see things differently.

  • Staff ConsultationsHear all colleagues before choosing.
  • Decision MeetingsGive every viewpoint a voice.
  • Service DesignDesign for different needs.
  • Community ForumsOpen dialogue between groups.
  • Youth ProgrammesMentor emerging leaders.
  • Grassroots CampaignsBuild coalitions for change.
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Let’s discuss your requirements

Request a Customised Leadership Programme.

Talk to our team about how this course can be tailored for your organisation in Austria or other locations worldwide.

Request a Proposal
  • Share your priorities
  • Receive a tailored proposal
  • Explore delivery options

Adapting for Austria

Adapting the programme for Austrian organisations.

We tailor the course so it reflects your people, your sector and the context you work in.

  • Local case studies

    Examples and case studies drawn from leaders in Austria.

  • Cultural awareness

    Content that respects cultural nuances and builds inclusive environments.

  • Community focus

    Projects that address real local and community issues.

  • Industry and organisation focus

    Examples, terminology and scenarios from your sector.

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Delivery worldwide

Flexible delivery across Austria and worldwide.

We deliver this programme in Austria and in other locations worldwide, with flexible formats and options to suit your organisation.

  • In-person
  • Virtual
  • Blended
  • At Your Workplace

    In-house sessions at your office in Austria.

  • A Venue You Choose

    Delivered at a training venue that suits your team.

  • Live Online

    Interactive virtual sessions wherever your people are.

  • Across Countries

    Programmes coordinated across several locations worldwide.

Client experiences

What our participants say.

Word-for-word feedback from participants at organisations in Singapore. Read all reviews

  • Yes, but you must come with an open mind to self-reflect.

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    Working From Home: Self Management Lunch TalkCommunity Psychology Hub
  • Yes, I would recommend this training to my colleagues. Understanding these structured recovery methods provides great tools for managing stress.

    ASMPT (ASM Assembly Systems) logo
    Stress Management Lunch TalkASM Assembly Systems Singapore Pte. Ltd
  • The course allowed me to identify the area where errors could occur and the various steps to identify and reduce the errors. Case studies were also provided to give a real-life experience instead of theoretical lessons.

    Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) logo
    Encouraging Attention To Details CourseSingapore University of Social Science
  • Yes, I definitely would. The program teaches you exactly how to approach closing deals and handle tough discussions with confidence.

    Singapore Police Force logo
    Negotiation Skills CourseSingapore Police Force
  • Yes, the strategic frameworks shared are highly practical and worth learning for career growth.

    Nanyang Polytechnic logo
    Strategic Thinking CourseNanyang Polytechnic
  • Yes definitely, since it teaches a fresh, highly constructive approach to problem-solving and team collaboration.

    ITOL Asia logo
    Appreciative Inquiry CourseITOL ASIA

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this course.

What is the main focus of this course?

It develops what inclusive leaders do: humility, empathy, awareness of bias, privilege and power, psychological safety, open decisions, mediation and constructive dialogue, and the courage to act, applied to organisations in Austria.

What topics does the course cover?

Twelve units in three stages: the inclusive leader (inclusive traits, humble listening, deep empathy, systemic barriers), inclusive teams (psychological safety, inviting dissent, sharing decisions, collaborating widely) and beyond the organisation (constructive dialogue, inclusive services, policy advocacy and courage to act).

Who should attend this course?

Executives, HR professionals, entrepreneurs, team leaders, educators, academics and recent graduates who want inclusivity at the centre of their leadership.

Is the course suitable for new or first-time leaders?

Yes. Recent graduates and new leaders start with inclusive habits, while executives and HR professionals deepen how they lead diverse teams.

Is the course practical or theory-based?

Practical first. Workshops, case studies and role-played mediation balance theory with repeated practice in listening, welcoming dissent and resolving conflict.

How long is the course?

The standard course runs over 2 full days, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It can also be delivered as a 1-day, half-day, 90-minute or 60-minute session.

Can the course be customised for our organisation?

Yes. We can adapt the content, examples and format to your goals, industry and team. See Customized Corporate Training for how we tailor programmes.

Can we use examples from our own industry?

Yes. We design and deliver our courses with subject matter experts in each field. Tell us about your industry, context and terminology when you enquire, and it will be taken into account.

Can we combine this course with other topics?

Yes. We can combine related topics into one programme or build a learning pathway across several sessions and levels.

Is this course available outside Austria?

Yes. We deliver this programme in other countries worldwide, in person or live online, and can coordinate it across several locations.

What delivery options are available?

In person at your workplace or a venue you choose, live online, or a blend of both.

What kind of exercises and activities are included?

Story-sharing in small groups, argue-against rounds, role-played mediation, a job description review, a behaviour self-rating, meeting counts, decision sketches and courage planning.

Do participants receive mentoring during the course?

Yes. Participants receive mentorship and constructive feedback from experienced leaders throughout the course.

Will participants build a professional network?

Yes. Participants connect with fellow participants, build mentoring relationships with facilitators and guest speakers, and can join an alumni network for ongoing learning.

How does the course support personal growth?

Through regular self-assessment and reflection, guided journaling to track progress and set goals, and techniques for mindfulness and stress management.

Is the course relevant to the Austrian context?

Yes. It is built for leaders in Austria, with case studies and exercises that reflect the diverse teams, industries and organisations they lead, from Vienna to other cities across the country.

Which cities in Austria can the course be delivered in?

We can deliver it in cities across Austria, including Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt and Villach, and other cities on request. We also offer a full range of leadership courses in Austria.

Can we download a course brochure?

Yes. Download our course brochure for an overview of our training programmes.

How do we request a proposal?

Share your goals and requirements through the enquiry form on this page. Our team replies within one business day with suggestions and a tailored proposal.

Who can we contact about this course?

Email [email protected], call +65 6714 6663 or use the enquiry form on this page. We reply within one business day.

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Next steps

From enquiry to delivery.

A simple, transparent process from your first message to the training day.

  1. 1

    Enquiry

    Share your training needs and priorities.

  2. 2

    Consultation

    We discuss and refine the scope with you.

  3. 3

    Proposal

    Receive a tailored proposal with delivery options.

  4. 4

    Confirm

    Review, adjust and agree the details.

  5. 5

    Delivery

    We deliver the programme for your team.

Get in touch

Get in touch about this course.

Tell us about your team and goals, and we will recommend the right format for your organisation in Austria. Fill in the form or contact our team directly.

  • Email us[email protected]
  • Call us+65 6714 6663
  • Quick replyWe get back to you within one business day.
  • Ask before you commitTalk to our team about the right course and format for your needs.

This course is customisable

We can tailor the content, examples and activities to your team’s industry, goals and workplace context. Explore Customized Training

Enquiry form

Request a Training Proposal

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