Description
Book SynopsisExplore diversity, equity, and inclusion that goes beyond unconscious bias and explores the ideas and tools needed to achieve these goals In The Elephant and the Mouse, award-winning speaker and diversity and inclusion expert Laura Liswood delivers a thought-provoking and insightful new business guide that explores workplace diversity and offers new ideas for gaining the real benefits from your diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The Elephant and the Mouse refers to the dynamic in organizations that are roadblocks to consciously inclusive success. The Elephant, often dominant group leadership, knows little about the experiences of the Mouse, the non-dominant groups, while the Mouse knows so much more about the Elephant. In diverse workplaces, these two groups live in different worlds. Success will come only if everyone works in a true meritocracy. You learn what may be easy for some to do in their career is much harder for others to do. In this book, which builds upon Liswood's groundbreaking book, The Loudest Duck, you'll explore the powerful case for diversity, equity, and inclusion and the often-overlooked risks posed by a homogeneous workforce. You will learn the hard truths about why many DE&I efforts fail, millions of dollars are wasted, and why organizations confuse efforts with outcomes. You'll consider new ways of leading others, with a strong emphasis on tactics and strategies employed by successful Elephant and Mouse leaders, including women leaders. The book also includes: Realistic explanations for the slow progress in diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice in society and organizationsExaminations of the concept and myths of meritocracy and how to conduct a Meritocracy Stress Test on your firmHow organizations often have an illusion of inclusion but find their efforts not creating the inclusive, equitable teams they say they wantHow safety efforts can provide a roadmap for diversity missionsAn exploration of both the human interventions and non-human roles of technology in DE&I initiatives, including the use of people analytics to de-bias organizationsWhat tools are needed to go beyond awareness of unconscious bias to de-bias processes and what traits the new Elephant and Mouse leader has An indispensable resource for managers, executives, and other business leaders who seek to recreate truly diverse, inclusive, and equitable organizations, The Elephant and the Mouse is also a must-read for human resources professionals, individuals who want successful careers in diverse teams, and anyone involved in the hiring, retaining, and promoting processes. This book offers a way to move beyond traditional diversity efforts towards more modern practices that embraceand profit fromthe differences between people.
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments ix
Introduction xiii
Chapter 1 Hard Truths 1
Chapter 2 The Elephant and the Mouse 27
Chapter 3 Beyond the Business Case for Diversity: Rewards and Risks 53
Chapter 4 Our Illusions, Myths, and Mindsets 69
Chapter 5 What You Can Do Easily 99
Chapter 6 We Are All Human, with Help from Nonhumans 117
Chapter 7 The Elephant and Mouse Inclusive Leader 145
Bibliography 167
About the Author 168
Index 169
