SUMMER READING LIST
I stopped buying D&I Books:
5 books that will help you to be more inclusive but are not about inclusion.
As an Inclusion and Diversity Consultancy, we aim to establish human-centric leadership and organizations, which is essentially inclusion. Before the term "Diversity and Inclusion" gained popularity and movements emerged, organizations and writers discussed the creation of inclusive organizations using different terminology. Despite the focus on the diversity aspect of D&I, we fail to fully grasp the concept of building inclusive organizations, not just from a behavioral standpoint but also in terms of structural design.
I have read numerous D&I-related books that I found enjoyable. However, I noticed that some of them can be repetitive, covering similar topics. Based on my experience working with organizations, I firmly believe that individuals engaged in D&I need to comprehend the deeper structural foundations and learn how to courageously foster human-centric organizations.
We have put together a list of our Top 5 books that we believe can enhance your understanding of inclusion and diversity without explicitly using those terms. These books have helped us to become more inclusive towards others, broadened our comprehension of the challenges faced by our clients, and assisted us in developing implementable solutions on various organizational levels.
Organizational Structures and Processes: "Humanocracy"
by Gary Hamel & Michele Zanini
This book emphasizes the creation of organizations that are as unique as the individuals within them. The authors point out that most organizations and their employees are burdened by excessive bureaucracy, resulting in sluggishness and timidity. Such systems stifle creativity and hinder innovation. The authors argue in favor of bold, courageous, entrepreneurial, and agile organizations that embrace constant change. The book outlines five critical building blocks: motivation, models, mindset, mobilization, and migration. It aims to initiate a movement to construct organizations that are fit for humans, fit for the future.
GET IT HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Humanocracy-Creating-Organizations-Amazing-People/dp/1633696022
Gender and Talent Management: "Why do so many incompetent men become leaders? (and how to fix it)"
by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic
Despite the potentially sexist title, this book challenges stereotypes and focuses on identifying qualities that make exceptional leaders. The author, a renowned behavioral researcher, focuses on the qualities that create incredible leaders rather than the stereotypes we use to fit people into boxes. He highlights flaws in systems that reward arrogance over humility and loudness over wisdom. He explores personality traits that facilitate one's promotion to a leadership position but do not necessarily result in effective leadership. Competent individuals, regardless of gender, who do not conform to stereotypes are often unfairly overlooked, leading to detrimental consequences for the entire organization. Through this book, readers can learn what it takes to be an effective leader and how to implement systems and processes that place the right people in charge, irrespective of gender.
GET IT HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Many-Incompetent-Become-Leaders/dp/1633696324
"Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take"
by Andrew Winston and Paul Paulman
This book helps business leaders understand how to take on humanity's greatest and most urgent challenges―climate change and inequality―and build a thriving business as a result. The authors focus on sharing Unilever’s success and explore how companies of the future will profit by fixing world’s problems rather than creating them.
Heal the world first, they argue, and you’ll satisfy your investors as a result. They argue that companies focused on the planet and people unleash innovation, build trust, attract the best people, thrill customers, and secure lasting success, all by helping create stronger, more inclusive societies and a healthier planet. This book will also teach you how to find your inner purpose and the courage you need in business and life.
"At Your Best" by Carey Nieuwhof
This book is probably one of the best time management books I have ever read. The author emphasizes reflecting on personal peak performance times and assigning tasks that require the best effort during those periods, thereby creating the greatest impact. From an individual standpoint, it allows for reflection on optimizing time, energy, and priorities. It also equips readers with the language and tools needed to communicate preferences and foster effective teamwork. Finally, it assists in developing daily plans. Being an inclusive team means extracting the best from each team member, and this book helps leaders identify when their team is at its best and can make the most significant impact.
This book helped me develop a plan for each day. I found it helpful to reflect on what time of the day I am at my best and set tasks that need my best and therefore create the most significant impact for that time.
GET IT HERE: https://www.amazon.com/At-Your-Best-Priorities-Working/dp/0735291365
"Digital, Diverse & Divided"
by David Livermore
While the world strives for greater inclusivity, we witness increasing divisions on various issues, such as politics, race, and religion. In this book, David Livermore provides tools to bridge these divides without necessitating conformity in thinking or behavior. Readers can learn how to respond to racist comments, address individuals completely closed off to different perspectives, persuade polarized groups to move beyond mere agreement to disagree, and handle the emotional fatigue arising from polarizing conversations and relationships.
We hope you enjoy these books as much as we did and feel inspired to cultivate human-centric leadership and organizations.
GET IT HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Diverse-Divided-Overcome-Polarization/dp/1523000929
If you want to know more about Inclusive Communication, click here.
Inclusionem is a global Diversity and Inclusion Consultancy based in Dubai. We specialize in measuring inclusion, diversity and inclusion strategy, inclusive leadership training programs and inclusive communication. Our diversity and inclusion consultants create an impact daily and help to build inclusive organizations in Dubai, the Middle East and all over the world.
