Overview

Diversity in business and other organizations has been a goal for more than a quarter of a century, yet companies struggle to create an inclusive work place. In Reinventing Diversity, one of America's leading diversity experts explains why most diversity programs fail and how we can make them work. In this inspiring guide, Howard Ross uses interviews, personal stories, statistics, and case studies to show that there is no quick fix, no easy answer. Acceptance needs to become part of the culture of a company, not just a mandated attitude. People still feel alienated because of their race, language, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, or culture. Many of these prejudices are unconscious and exclusions unintentional. Only through challenging our own preconceived notions about diversity can we build a productive and collaborative work environment in which all people are included.

Full Product Details

9781442210431

Table of Contents

Reviews

I applaud Howard Ross for raising the issues, for bringing his heart, soul, spirit and passion to an issue he has devoted much of his life to. We have no choice but to embrace diversity, and Howard says we must confront our own biases in that embracing, and in our effort to construct a more inclusive society. His words ain't nothing but the truth, embracing my Ebonics. This is mind-expanding and important work. -- Julianne Malveaux In ReInventing Diversity, Howard Ross explains that creating what he calls Organizational Community requires vision, which sounds like a platitude. Then we read on to discover that vision is much more than sight, or even foresight. Vision involves an intense level of focus and planning that anticipate the role of diversity in the globalized 21st century. If Howard Ross didn't exist, we'd have to invent him. Or at least reinvent him. -- Kojo Nnamdi Howard Ross' global and academic experiences are artfully reflected in this book. His insights and guidance make this a must read for anyone wanting to create culturally inclusive community in organizations. I plan to make it required reading for leaders wherever I go. -- Rosalyn Taylor O'Neale ReInventing Diversity is a true reflection of Howard Ross's heart and soul and his decades-long commitment to transforming human relationships. This book not only challenges us to think differently about diversity and inclusion, but it also points to a new direction about how we can overcome the lines and barriers that divide us. As a civil rights leader on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, I use these lessons daily. -- Joe Solmonese This book, like Howard Ross, is brimming with substance and soul. It is an important work that invites courageous conversations and difficult dialogues with ourselves and with others. Page after page offers us the wisdom, inspiration and tools we need to be effective advocates for diversity and inclusion. At last, here is the book we have been waiting for! -- Johnnetta Betsch

An appropriate subtitle for this book might be No Easy Answers. Veteran diversity consultant Ross recognizes and well articulates the reasons why inclusion simply hasn't taken root in many corporations as well as the reasons why well-meaning efforts don't work. Many questions are asked here, but few are answered directly; yet the author underscores the fact that the journey to real diversity means listening intently and demonstrating patience, perseverance, and a deeper understanding of all communities involved rather than pretending to know all the answers. Philosophy aside (and there's plenty to ruminate on), Ross shares different frameworks to help drive home a true change in thinking: nine steps to manage unconscious bias, eight basic principles of organizational communities, concentric circles of stakeholder resistance, and more. Architecture alone won't transform an organization into one that's culturally competent. Instead, read his account of a much-needed change at an inner-city midwestern hospital. Then apply his guidelines elsewhere. Booklist I applaud Howard Ross for raising the issues, for bringing his heart, soul, spirit and passion to an issue he has devoted much of his life to. We have no choice but to embrace diversity, and Howard says we must confront our own biases in that embracing, and in our effort to construct a more inclusive society. His words ain't nothing but the truth, embracing my Ebonics. This is mind-expanding and important work. -- Julianne Malveaux In ReInventing Diversity, Howard Ross explains that creating what he calls Organizational Community requires vision, which sounds like a platitude. Then we read on to discover that vision is much more than sight, or even foresight. Vision involves an intense level of focus and planning that anticipate the role of diversity in the globalized 21st century. If Howard Ross didn't exist, we'd have to invent him. Or at least reinvent him. -- Kojo Nnamdi Howard Ross' global and academic experiences are artfully reflected in this book. His insights and guidance make this a must read for anyone wanting to create culturally inclusive community in organizations. I plan to make it required reading for leaders wherever I go. -- Rosalyn Taylor O'Neale ReInventing Diversity is a true reflection of Howard Ross's heart and soul and his decades-long commitment to transforming human relationships. This book not only challenges us to think differently about diversity and inclusion, but it also points to a new direction about how we can overcome the lines and barriers that divide us. As a civil rights leader on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, I use these lessons daily. -- Joe Solmonese This book, like Howard Ross, is brimming with substance and soul. It is an important work that invites courageous conversations and difficult dialogues with ourselves and with others. Page after page offers us the wisdom, inspiration and tools we need to be effective advocates for diversity and inclusion. At last, here is the book we have been waiting for! -- Betsch Cole, Johnnetta

ReInventing Diversity is a true reflection of Howard Ross s heart and soul and his decades-long commitment to transforming human relationships. This book not only challenges us to think differently about diversity and inclusion, but it also points to a new direction about how we can overcome the lines and barriers that divide us. As a civil rights leader on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, I use these lessons daily.--Joe Solmonese

Author Information

Howard J. Ross is founder and chief learning officer of Cook-Ross, Inc., a corporate consulting firm. He is one of the nation's leading diversity training consultants and a nationally recognized expert on diversity, leadership, and organizational change.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available