The seminars are managed by McDonald's Diversity Initiatives Department and are intended for employees at the restaurant management level as well as Corporate and Regional staff. The intimate group settings and strict policy of confidentiality are essential, allowing full expression of individual challenges, concerns and assumptions. For example, WCD is facilitated only by female executives. Understanding the dynamics of leadership and how to identify and maximize career opportunities are key lessons in the BCD course. Participants learn and practice leadership, communications and presentation skills, assertiveness and group dynamics.
Participants also discuss behaviors and potential barriers, relating to gender differences.
The company sponsors national and regional networking organizations for women, African Americans, Asians and Hispanics in management, such as the Black Employee Network and the Women's Leadership Network. The networks, created to encourage ongoing peer and mentoring relationships beyond the diversity education seminars, also serve as a resource for the company on related issues. Some networks host special activities ranging from appearances by motivational speakers to cultural celebrations and fund-raisers. McDonald's encourages restaurant and office managers at every level to participate in and support the networks. In addition, several regions and departments in the corporate headquarters have developed Diversity Councils.