Microlesson Experts
Joan WilliamsRenowned Bias Expert
Recognizing Bias in Assessments
Racial stereotypes continue to influence workplace interactions, sometimes in ways employees don’t recognize. When left unchecked, they erode inclusion and create barriers to success. This microlesson offers skills training to help employees recognize racial stereotypes, question assumptions, and foster a more respectful workplace.
Microlesson Description
In this skill-building microlesson, we teach people to view their language and judgments from a racially inclusive lens as they consider, express, and document their perceptions about their colleagues. We offer downloadable exercises to help leaders and teams develop sensitivity to racial stereotypes and the skill to interrupt biases in real-time. This microlesson is part of the Bias Interrupters program series based on Joan Williams and WorkLife Law's research on effective interventions to mitigate workplace bias. This microlesson series is also available in a full course with downloadable exercises to enable individual or group practice. Definition of Racial Stereotypes Bias: Assumptions made about the personal abilities, behaviors, characteristics, or status of a racial group.Key Concepts
- Use the Workplace Color Spectrum® to pause and analyze behaviors, rate the behavior, then take action.
- How to give someone feedback that their behavior is “orange” when they see rude or insensitive behavior.
- Learn how to stop and apologize when you’re aware of saying something inappropriate.
- Why bad behavior can happen because of our blindspots.
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.
This microlesson series is recommended as actionable next steps for every organization that received insights through Emtrain's Respect Scorecard based on assigned training and courses. Interested in learning how it all works together? Contact us for a personalized free demo of our platform and we’ll walk you through a scorecard and its opportunity to inform your company with actionable insights on how to positively impact your workplace culture.
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.
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
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 are racial stereotypes especially damaging at work?
Racial stereotypes are especially damaging at work because they reduce people to assumptions, undermine merit, and perpetuate inequity.
Q
How do stereotypes contribute to microaggressions and bias?
Stereotypes contribute to microaggressions and bias by normalizing false narratives and shaping interactions that marginalize employees.
Q
What risks arise for companies that ignore racial stereotyping?
Companies that ignore racial stereotyping risk legal claims, reputational damage, disengaged employees, and weakened DEI credibility.
Q
How can managers intervene when stereotypes appear in workplace interactions?
Managers can intervene when stereotypes appear by addressing comments directly, redirecting conversations, and reinforcing respect standards.
Q
Why must organizations address stereotypes proactively, not reactively?
Organizations must address stereotypes proactively, not reactively, to prevent harm, signal accountability, and build trust before issues escalate.
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