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Microlesson

Power Implications and Inclusive Workplaces

Power Implications and Inclusive Workplaces
Inclusion
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How Power Differences Quietly Impact Work Relationships

People might be holding back their great ideas because your culture isn't as inclusive as you think. Power differences can impact how we engage with each other. It can lead to harassment situations when that power is used inappropriately, and can also impact how words and actions are perceived, and acted upon. For the sake of treating each other fairly and creating more inclusive workplaces, managers are encouraged to step outside their lens and view the perspective of their employees.

Microlesson Description

In this microlesson, we illustrate how power differences, also known as power dynamics, can influence the way employees engage with their managers and vice versa. Encouraging employees to speak up, share ideas, and recognize their efforts are just a few examples of how to create more inclusive workplaces and to overcome power culture in the workplace.

Key Concepts
  • How to encourage candor and participation from your team.
  • The importance of making an effort to reach out to employees and find out what’s holding them back.
  • Why coaching and mentoring should be a priority and what happens, as a result, if it’s not.
  • When an employee doesn’t object, it doesn’t mean that they welcome your conduct or agree with your statements.

Microlesson Features

  • Employee sentiment pulsing questions that provide leaders with insights into their workforce's core cultural competencies
  • Emtrain's Expert Answers tool, enabling employeees to submit anonymous questions about sensitive issues.
  • Rich, contemporary video scences illustrating key concepts through realistic scenarios
  • A data driven, skill-based approach to eLearning that establishes a shared language for employees.
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How to Use this Lesson

Each Emtrain microlesson blends real-world video scenarios, interactive surveys, and expert insights to build stronger workplace skills. Learners gain practical actions they can apply right away, while HR leaders see measurable insights into team behaviors. And with every training plan, you get access to all 90+ microlessons across communication, inclusion, compliance, and leadership.

Teach

Learn through real-world examples and instructional content that highlight the do’s and don’ts of workplace interactions. Employees explore key concepts, see how different situations play out, and discover practical ways to build stronger, more respectful connections.

Take a free preview of this microlesson now — no obligation.

Discover

Go beyond training with Emtrain Intelligence. Embedded surveys capture employee experiences and provide benchmarks so you can understand how your team compares to global peers.

Try it now and see how Emtrain Intelligence works with this lesson.

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Apply It - Take Action

Turn insights into action with clear steps for improving workplace habits. Learners walk away with practical guidance to apply immediately, while HR leaders gain data to support ongoing culture improvements.

Preview this lesson now to see the actions your team can take to make in impact — free access.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Power Implications and Inclusive Workplaces

Below are answers to common questions that employees and managers have about this topic. These FAQs provide a preview of what you’ll learn in this microlesson and why it matters.

Q
Why do power dynamics create unique inclusion challenges?
Power dynamics create unique inclusion challenges because authority imbalances can silence voices, limit opportunities, and enable favoritism.
Q
How can managers misuse authority in ways that harm employees?
Managers can misuse authority in ways that harm employees by excluding them from opportunities, retaliating against dissent, or showing bias in evaluations.
Q
What risks arise when employees fear speaking up to leaders?
Risks arise when employees fear speaking up to leaders, including suppressed innovation, unresolved misconduct, and eroded trust in leadership.
Q
How can organizations train managers to recognize their power?
Organizations can train managers to recognize their power by offering awareness programs, role-play exercises, and accountability frameworks.
Q
How do power differences shape perceptions of harassment?
Power differences shape perceptions of harassment because employees may feel pressured to accept behavior from leaders that would otherwise be inappropriate.

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