Corporate leadership training
Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion Training Course in Austria
Prepare your leaders to understand identity, privilege and bias, lead diverse teams with confidence and compassion, and build a culture of respect, dignity and belonging, so varied ideas turn into creativity and better decisions, through practical, hands-on training.
- In-person, virtual
or blended - Customised for
your organisation - Delivered worldwide,
including Austria - For executives, managers
and HR leaders
Course overview
What Is Inclusive Leadership?
Leadership in diversity and inclusion is the work of turning a varied group of people into a team where each person is respected, has a voice and can progress. The course explores identity, privilege and bias, then builds the leadership practices that follow from them: perspective-taking, fair evaluation and decisions, protocols that deal with discrimination, and policies that open the organisation to everyone.
Immersive workshops, thought-provoking discussions and experiential activities with a diverse cohort of peers let participants question existing norms and practise inclusive behaviour with the teams and communities leaders in Austria serve.
Austria’s rich cultural diversity is reflected in its workplaces and communities. The course brings together leaders from business, education, government and the non-profit sector to explore identity, privilege and bias, and to build cultures of respect and belonging in which every individual can thrive.
Why it matters
Why Diversity and Inclusion Matter in Austria
Organisations across Austria serve diverse communities and employ people of many backgrounds. Leaders who value every perspective and remove barriers to inclusion strengthen creativity, engagement and decision-making.
Diverse people, one team
Workplaces bring together many identities, cultures and experiences, which leaders must draw into one effort.
Better ideas and decisions
Bringing diverse viewpoints into decisions exposes blind spots and improves the outcome.
Fair access to opportunity
Fair evaluation and promotion processes let people progress without facing hidden barriers.
Cohesion and unity
Inclusive leaders help organisations in Austria build respect and dignity for all.
The Knowles leadership approach
From Insight to Impact
Six steps lead participants from examining their own identity and privilege to tracking whether the climate is changing, a cycle they can repeat to move inclusion from a stated value to everyday leadership.
Inclusive leadership in action
- 1. AwarenessWhat shapes how I see others?
- 2. BiasWhat am I missing?
- 3. VoiceWho is not being heard?
- 4. AccessIs opportunity open to all?
- 5. BelongingDo all feel welcome?
- 6. ProgressIs anything really changing?
Key benefits
Why Organisations Choose This Course
This programme helps your leaders and your organisation to:
More Innovation
Embrace diverse ideas and encourage creative experimentation.
Stronger Team Performance
Promote teamwork and shared goals across diverse groups.
Wider Talent Pool
Attract, retain and develop diverse talent.
Fairer Practices
Reduce bias and discrimination in evaluations and promotions.
Better Relationships
Engage diverse communities, clients and stakeholders.
A Culture of Belonging
Foster respect and dignity so every employee feels they belong.
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.
Course curriculum
A practical and structured learning journey.
Twelve units in three stages lead from identity, privilege and bias, through the daily practice of inclusive leaders, to the policies, protocols and measures that make change last, with discussion and experiential activities throughout.
- Unit 1
Forms of Diversity
- Explore the many dimensions of identity, from culture to life experience.
- Reflect on how privilege shapes the way people are treated.
- Define diversity, equity and inclusion and how they connect.
- Unit 2
The Case for Inclusion
- Link diverse perspectives to creativity and better decisions.
- Recognise how exclusion erodes engagement and satisfaction.
- Become an advocate for change among your peers.
- Unit 3
Unconscious Bias
- Understand how bias takes root in leadership roles.
- Notice where bias enters evaluations of people.
- Use routines that reduce bias before decisions are final.
- Unit 4
Cultural Competence
- Learn how culture and heritage influence behaviour at work.
- Practise perspective-taking with colleagues unlike you.
- Lead individuals as individuals, not as group labels.
- Unit 5
Inclusive Language
- Host diversity dialogues where everyone can contribute.
- Choose wording that treats everyone with dignity.
- Ask for viewpoints that challenge your own thinking.
- Unit 6
Equitable Decisions
- Run diversity impact assessments on new policies.
- Apply fair, equitable criteria to evaluations.
- Seek input from diverse stakeholders before you decide.
- Unit 7
Bridging Differences
- Spot friction between groups before it hardens.
- Share personal narratives to build understanding.
- Use team-building activities to bring groups together.
- Unit 8
Allyship
- Speak out against discrimination and harassment.
- Back affinity and employee resource groups.
- Champion the voices of under-represented colleagues.
- Unit 9
Inclusive Policies
- Check policies and procedures for barriers to inclusion.
- Create flexible work arrangements for diverse needs.
- Set clear protocols for reporting discrimination.
- Unit 10
Fair Hiring and Growth
- Use diversity-focused recruitment strategies.
- Open career development to diverse talent.
- Mentor colleagues who show potential.
- Unit 11
Culture of Belonging
- Model respect and dignity in every exchange.
- Reward innovative contributions from all.
- Uphold zero tolerance for discrimination.
- Unit 12
Measuring Progress
- Set inclusion metrics and benchmarks.
- Run regular climate surveys in your team.
- Turn the insights into measurable goals.
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.
Welcome, objectives and introductions
Dimensions of diversity
Morning break
The case for inclusion
Lunch
Unconscious bias
Cultural competence
Afternoon break
Inclusive communication
Day one reflection
Close
Recap and goals for the day
Equitable decisions
Morning break
Bridging differences and allyship
Lunch
Inclusive policies
Fair hiring and growth
Afternoon break
Culture of belonging and measuring progress
Personal inclusion action plan
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.
Practical application
From theory to real workplace impact.
Through experiential activities and immersive workshops, participants work on their own cases: checking evaluation and promotion decisions for bias, hosting dialogues that include every voice and assessing a policy’s impact, mirroring the work of leaders in Austria.
Bias Checks
Check a recent evaluation or promotion for signs of bias.
Inclusive Meetings
Host a dialogue in which every participant has a real say.
Policy Review
Assess a policy’s impact on different groups and suggest changes.
Perspective Swaps
Step into a colleague’s experience through perspective-taking.
Who should attend
Designed for leaders of diverse teams and communities.
Designed for leaders from various sectors, including CEOs, HR directors, D&I officers, educators, community leaders, policymakers and non-profit leaders, who want to build workplaces and communities where every individual feels valued and empowered.
- ExecutivesSet a direction of respect and dignity.
- Team LeadersUnite diverse groups around shared goals.
- HR ProfessionalsMake evaluation and recruitment fair.
- Community LeadersBuild inclusive communities and partnerships.
- EducatorsCelebrate every learner’s identity.
- Emerging LeadersGrow into advocates for change.
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 every level and works especially well for groups that mix backgrounds and roles.
No formal prerequisites
Open to anyone who wants to lead more inclusively.
All experience levels
From emerging leaders to senior executives.
Designed for mixed groups
A varied group brings the very differences the course explores.
Open to other views
Come ready to question assumptions, including your own.
Course framework
A structured approach to developing leaders.
The framework follows a cycle: explore identity, privilege and bias, practise inclusive leadership in workshops, reflect on personal narratives and assumptions, then apply the lessons to the organisation’s policies and teams.
Practical and Actionable
Strategies and protocols participants can put in place at once.
Relevant to Austria
Shaped by the diverse workplaces and communities found in Austria.
Respectful Dialogue
Thought-provoking dialogue with a diverse cohort of peers.
The inclusive leadership cycle
- 1. LearnCore leadership principles
- 2. ExploreCase studies and discussion
- 3. PractiseRole-plays and simulations
- 4. ReflectSelf-assessment and journaling
- 5. ApplyReal-world projects
- 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
Recognise bias
Recognise how bias and privilege affect your judgements of others.
- 02
Work across cultures
Practise perspective-taking with colleagues of any culture or background.
- 03
Draw out every voice
Host discussions in which every voice is heard and valued.
- 04
Decide fairly
Evaluate people on fair, equitable criteria.
- 05
Remove barriers
Assess policies for their impact and recommend changes.
- 06
Build belonging
Foster respect, dignity and belonging for all employees.
An inclusive culture is one in which no one has to ask permission to be themselves.
Example exercises and tools
Learn by doing.
Experiential exercises, practical tools and real-world scenarios help participants confront their own assumptions and turn respect for difference into dependable habits.
Thought-provoking discussions, immersive workshops and experiential activities, shared with a diverse cohort of peers, reflect situations leaders in Austria meet, from responding to a report of discrimination to running an impact assessment on a new policy. Participants hold diversity dialogues, practise perspective-taking and leave with measurable goals for their own organisation.
Identity Mapping
Reflect on the identities and privileges you hold and how they shape what you see in others.
Bias Spotting
Read sample job adverts and evaluations for biased language.
Inclusion Audit
Gauge your team’s climate on voice, fairness and belonging.
Speak-Up Practice
Prepare how to respond to a report of harassment.
Assessment
Assessment and learning progress.
A mix of steps before, during and after the programme keeps learning relevant and turns it into action.
Before the training
Share your goals and team context.
Agree the objectives and focus areas.
Confirm the format, timing and group.
During the training
Role-plays, simulations and practical exercises.
Feedback from experienced leaders as skills develop.
Group discussion and reflection.
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 apply the tools in organisations and communities across Austria, from leading diverse teams day to day to making recruitment, evaluation and policy fairer.
- RecruitmentRecruit from a diverse pool.
- Team MeetingsLet every voice be heard.
- Cross-Cultural WorkWork well across cultures.
- People DecisionsEvaluate and promote fairly.
- Workplace PoliciesAssess policies for their impact.
- Talent DevelopmentMentor diverse talent.
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.
- 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.
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 definitely. Gaining a deep understanding of structured mentoring models is incredibly beneficial for anyone stepping into a leadership role.
Yes, because it really highlights how our daily business decisions directly impact the local community and the environment.
Yes, particularly for beginners who need a clear, structured way to start organizing workplace information.
Yes, I would recommend it. Gaining a clear framework on communication styles is highly useful for de-escalating tough client situations
The most useful aspects were learning about active listening, empathy, and adopting a growth mindset. The case studies and brainstorming sessions provided practical ideas for managing remote and hybrid teams, building rapport, and leading effectively.
Yes, I definitely would. The program teaches you exactly how to approach closing deals and handle tough discussions with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this course.
What is the main focus of this course?
It helps leaders build cultures of respect and belonging: understanding identity, privilege and bias, practising perspective-taking, making fair decisions and creating inclusive policies, applied to organisations in Austria.
What topics does the course cover?
Twelve units in three stages: understanding diversity (forms of diversity, the case for inclusion, unconscious bias, cultural competence), leading inclusively (inclusive language, equitable decisions, bridging differences, allyship) and building inclusive systems (inclusive policies, fair hiring and growth, culture of belonging, measuring progress).
Who should attend this course?
CEOs, HR directors, D&I officers, team leaders, educators, community leaders, policymakers and emerging leaders from any sector who lead diverse groups.
Is the course suitable for new or first-time leaders?
Yes. Newer leaders build inclusive habits early on, and senior leaders and policymakers review how their organisations treat people.
Is the course practical or theory-based?
Highly practical. Experiential activities, workshops and diversity dialogues have participants check decisions for bias, assess policies and host inclusive discussions.
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?
Diversity dialogues, perspective-taking, identity reflection, bias checks, policy impact assessments, climate checks and harassment response practice, with feedback throughout.
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 suits the diverse workplaces and communities of Austria, and it is relevant to leaders in business, education, government and the non-profit sector alike.
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.
Next steps
From enquiry to delivery.
A simple, transparent process from your first message to the training day.
- 1
Enquiry
Share your training needs and priorities.
- 2
Consultation
We discuss and refine the scope with you.
- 3
Proposal
Receive a tailored proposal with delivery options.
- 4
Confirm
Review, adjust and agree the details.
- 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
We use your details only to respond to this enquiry. See our privacy policy.