Full course description
1 hour
Self-Paced
Earn a Badge
Course Overview
This online, self-paced professional development course explores how personal identity—shaped by culture, background and life experience—affects how we lead, communicate and build workplace relationships. Explore how your personal identity informs the way you interact with others, build inclusive communication skills and recognize the power of identity in everyday exchanges.
Whether you lead a team, work cross-functionally or want to grow personally, this course offers actionable strategies to foster empathy, inclusion and awareness in today’s interconnected world.
Who Should Enroll
This noncredit course is ideal for:
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- Mid-career professionals in HR, learning and development or people-operations roles
- Emerging leaders and managers shaping workplace culture
- Healthcare, nonprofit and education professionals engaging with diverse communities
- Career changers seeking to strengthen interpersonal and inclusive leadership skills
No prior training is required. This is a welcoming course for learners from all backgrounds.
Course Instructor
Becky Nickerson, Ed.D.
Senior Director of Belonging and Inclusion Programming
Creighton University
Becky Nickerson is a seasoned facilitator and educator with over 20 years of experience. Her expertise lies in helping individuals and organizations build inclusive cultures through intentional reflection, storytelling and action.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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- Identify multiple dimensions of their own identities and how these influence communication and relationships
- Reflect on how identity shapes perceptions, behaviors and interpersonal dynamics
- Recognize how awareness of different identities can enhance understanding and inclusive interaction
Course Outcomes
You’ll gain a clearer understanding of your personal identity and how it influences your interactions in professional settings. You’ll leave with practical tools to enhance communication, foster inclusion and navigate interpersonal dynamics with greater empathy, awareness and confidence.
FAQs
What are the benefits of completing this course?
In today’s diverse and fast-changing workplace, understanding identity is essential to effective leadership and meaningful collaboration. This course offers a structured space to build personal insight, grow as an inclusive professional, and contribute to a culture of belonging—wherever you lead. Plus, you'll earn credit toward the Inclusion and Belonging Certificate to strengthen your professional credentials.
What is the career outlook for individuals who complete this program?
Professionals who complete this course are better equipped to lead inclusive teams, improve communication and create stronger interpersonal dynamics—skills increasingly valued in people operations, healthcare and education environments.
How long does it take to complete?
This course is self-paced, allowing you to learn at your convenience. Most people complete this course in one hour, but you can take as much time as needed to fit your schedule.
How is the course structured?
This course is 100% online and self-paced. You can start anytime and progress on your own schedule—ideal for working professionals.
Does this course count toward the Inclusion and Belonging Certificate?
Yes, this course is part of the Inclusion and Belonging Certificate program. Complete all ten courses to earn the full Inclusion and Belonging Certificate from Creighton University.
Does this course offer continuing education credit?
Creighton University is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. This program is valid for 1.0 PDCs for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification.
Do you offer tuition assistance?
We do not offer tuition assistance for lifelong learning courses or certificates. However, Creighton alumni, faculty, staff and eligible partner employees, along with their spouses and dependents, may qualify for a 15% discount. One discount per offering. Other restrictions may apply. Learn more.