DEI Book of the Month

Inclusion Uncomplicated: A Transformative Guide To Simplify DEI

By Dr. Nika White, CDE®

This book is the guide you have been waiting for: one that unravels the complexity of diversity, equity, and inclusion, teases out root causes of systemic oppression, and delivers simple, actionable tools for real change. Right now. When it’s needed the most. The wisdom contained within these pages comes from Dr. Nika’s twenty-plus years of helping companies across the globe create more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable cultures. Dr. Nika’s philosophy is simple―DEI is a responsibility we all share. It’s going to take each one of us moving from passivity to impact within our unique spheres of influence.

That’s why this book is written in a straight-forward, conversational style that speaks to the leader in all of us. From real-life, workplace scenarios, to the latest research on what works and what doesn’t, to strategies for untangling the gnarled threads of bias―readers will find everything they need to become DEI allies, changemakers, and inclusive leaders, no matter where they are on the DEI journey.

Inclusive Conversations: Fostering Equity, Empathy, and Belonging across Differences

By Mary-Frances Winters

Effective dialogue across different dimensions of diversity, such as race, gender, age, religion, or sexual orientation, fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion, which in turn leads to greater productivity, performance, and innovation. Whether in the workplace, faith communities, or educational settings, our differences can tear us apart rather than bring us together if we do not know how to communicate. Recognizing our collective responsibility to earnestly address our differences and increase understanding and empathy will not only enhance organizational goals but will also lead to a healthier, kinder, and more compassionate world.

This guide is comprehensive for anyone who wants to break down the barriers that separate us and facilitate discussions on potentially polarizing topics.

So You Want to Talk About Race

By Ijeoma Oluo

So You Want to Talk About Race is one of the best-selling books about Diversity. Ijeoma Oluo drudges up all the most controversial talking points about race, offering clear and constructive ways to approach every conversation. The book covers concepts like police brutality, cultural appropriation, affirmative action, intersectionality, and privilege. The tone is equal parts entertaining, enlightening, and mobilizing. So You Want to Talk About Race is a great fit for professionals who want to know how to talk about race and what to do to promote racial justice inside of work and out.

Notable Quote: “You have to get over the fear of facing the worst in yourself. You should instead fear unexamined racism. Fear the thought that right now, you could be contributing to the oppression of others and you don’t know it. But do not fear those who bring that oppression to light. Do not fear the opportunity to do better.”

Subtle Acts of Exclusion

By Tiffany Jana and Michael Baran

Subtle Acts of Exclusion examines microaggressions, or subtle phrases or actions that cause marginalized individuals discomfort or distress. This book is important because many folks think of racism as intentional, but innocuous behaviors can be just as harmful. Subtle Acts of Exclusion demonstrates how to avoid alienating group members, and presents a formula for building trust and rapport between team members of all backgrounds.

Notable Quote: “One of the most critical aspects of inclusion is that it must happen actively. When we just passively think of ourselves as good people but don’t do anything to actively include others, that creates passive exclusion.”

Inclusify: The Power of Uniqueness and Belonging to Build Innovative Teams

By Stefanie K. Johnson

Inclusify is a leadership guidebook for creating diverse yet cohesive teams. While many organizations make efforts to recruit unique perspectives, these companies often fail to harmonize differing voices. Stefanie Johnson offers team building tips for creating unique yet united teams. Inclusify presents practical teamwork and management strategies that empower individuals while rallying the group around a shared sense of purpose. This book is a recipe for high-performing, inventive teams whose members stand out but still feel like a part of the whole.

Notable Quote: “These types of interactions are often meaningless to the person doing the excluding, but across research studies, subtle and often unintentional jabs like mistaking someone as being in a lower status position or calling them by another person of color’s name (often called microaggressions) have the same effects as, if not worse effects than, blatant discrimination on outcomes such as job performance, turnover, and mental health.”

Better Allies: Everyday Actions to Create Inclusive, Engaging Workplaces 

By Karen Catlin and Sally McGraw

Better Allies is one of the best books on inclusion in the workplace. The book explains how to be a supporter and advocate for coworkers of different backgrounds, races, genders, sexual orientations and identities, ages, and abilities. Karen Catlin gives practical advice on implementing fair hiring practices, using inclusive language, and creating more opportunities for underrepresented groups. The book makes a distinction between ally-ship and savior-dom, explaining that efforts to protect marginalized identities can be patronizing and counter-productive.

Notable Quote: “Gatekeeping feedback is common, and often slips out unconsciously. If you’re in a position to give someone constructive comments, you may think you’re doing so based solely on their performance or role, but your choice of words may betray unconscious bias.”

The Remix: How to Lead and Succeed in the Multigenerational Workplace

By Lindsey Pollak

Millennials have become the largest generation in the U.S. workforce, and Generation Z workers are right behind them. Leaders and organizations must embrace the new ways of working that appeal to the digital-first generations, while continuing to appeal to Baby Boomers and Generation X, who will likely remain in the workforce for decades to come.

Within any organization, team, meeting, or marketing opportunity, you will likely find any combination of generations, each with their own attitudes, expectations, and professional styles. To lead and succeed in business today, you must adjust to how Millennials work, continue to accommodate experienced colleagues and pay attention to the next generations coming up. The Remix shows you how to adapt and win through proven strategies that serve all generations’ needs. The result is a workplace that blends the best of each generation’s ideas and practices to design a smarter, more inclusive work environment for everyone.

As a leading expert on the multigenerational workplace, Lindsey Pollak combines the most recent data with her own original research, as well as detailed case studies from Fortune 500 companies and other top organizations. Pollak outlines the ways businesses, executives, mid-level managers, employees, and entrepreneurs can tackle situations that may arise when diverse styles clash and provides clear strategies to turn generational diversity into business opportunity.

Generational change is impacting all industries, all types of organizations, and all leaders. The Remix is an essential guide for anyone looking to navigate today’s multigenerational workplace, which is more diverse and varied than ever before.

I’m Not Yelling: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Workplace

By Elizabeth Leiba

Navigate corporate America fearlessly. Explore the data and hear the accounts of Black women in business who face, work through, and rise above workplace discrimination. This book offers a blueprint for Black women in business to tackle a toxic work environment and assert their rightful place. Facing obstacles such as imposter syndrome and structural racism, I'm Not Yelling arms you with the knowledge and strategy needed to succeed in the face of adversity.

Become a strong Black leader and instill positive change in the workplace culture. I'm Not Yelling is your guide to understanding and implementing changes in human resource management that promote diversity and inclusion. Celebrate the significance of Black History Month, define racism in its subtle and overt forms, and emerge as a beacon of strength and resilience.

Unlocking Diversity & Inclusion for Success: Developing Policies & Procedures, How to Create a DEI Framework, Measure Progress and Accountability & Make Systematic Changes in the Workplace

By Grant T. Harris, MBA, CDE®

Are you ready to create a workplace that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusivity, and drives sustainable success? Do you yearn to improve the culture in your existing workplace?

If you desire to transform your organization into a thriving hub of creativity, productivity, and collaboration, then look no further! Unlocking DEI for Success is the ultimate guide, carefully crafted by renowned author and professional DEI trainer, Grant T. Harris, MBA. This groundbreaking book is your key to unlocking the immense potential Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) holds in driving real, meaningful change within your organization.

Key Benefits of Unlocking DEI for Success:

• Comprehensive DEI Strategies: This book equips you with a step-by-step guide to developing policies and procedures that create a DEI framework tailor-made for your organization. No more vague or generic approaches – you'll learn how to design initiatives that resonate with your employees and boost your company's overall success.
• Measurable Progress & Accountability: Unlocking DEI for Success empowers you to measure the effectiveness of your DEI initiatives and hold your organization accountable for its actions. By leveraging data-driven insights, you'll stay on track and continuously improve, ensuring that your workplace becomes a beacon of DEI.
• Real-Life Case Studies: Dive into real-life case studies that showcase how organizations have successfully implemented DEI strategies, reaping the benefits of a more engaged and empowered workforce. These stories inspire and demonstrate the potential impact of DEI on your company's bottom line.
• Employee Engagement & Retention: Unleash the power of a diverse team by fostering an inclusive environment where employees feel valued, heard, and motivated to give their best. Unlocking DEI for Success will teach you how to build a supportive workplace culture that enhances employee engagement and reduces turnover.
• Systematic Change: Implementing DEI is not just a one-time endeavor; it requires consistent and systematic efforts. This book will guide you through building a long-term DEI strategy that becomes an integral part of your organization's DNA.
• Boosting Innovation & Creativity: Embracing diversity unleashes innovation and creativity within your organization. You'll learn how different perspectives and experiences enrich problem-solving, drive innovation, and foster a competitive advantage.

The time is now to embrace DEI and build an inclusive workplace that thrives on collective success. Grant T. Harris presents a comprehensive and actionable roadmap that paves the way for real change. With powerful insights, practical strategies, and inspiring case studies, this book empowers you to create a culture that celebrates individuality and drives the success of your organization.