Book Review of Diversify or Die
Diversify or Die, the recipient of the American Book Fest: Finalist – Best Business Book, is an innovative book about diversity and inclusion. Every executive, manager, supervisor, entrepreneur, and even employees will benefit from the lessons in this very special book.
Diversify or Die convincingly demonstrates how diversity and inclusion has a direct impact on the bottom line of every organization, for-profit or non-profit. Even government agencies will benefit from Diversify or Die. Indeed, Diversify or Die posits that organizations must diversify their leadership, employees, vision, mission, communications and marketing or ultimately they will lose out to their competition and eventually die.
Many people think of diversity and inclusion simply as it exists in corporate America; however, Guthrie addresses diversity it in the context of small businesses, non-profits and educational institutions, where the vast majority of Americans are actually employed.
One of the most creative concepts of Diversify or Die is the comparison of the works of Charles Darwin to contemporary practices of diversity and inclusion. Specifically, Guthrie discusses The Origins of Species and On the Descent of Man to demonstrate the evolutionary concept of diversity and inclusion. Fascinating reading!
In another a groundbreaking approach, Diversify or Die actually defines “diversity and inclusion”, which of course is very useful. A consistent definition of diversity and inclusion has been missing from past writings in this field - their fatal flaw. Guthrie's starts the creation of the definition by using what he calls the "diversity equation” to analyze the components necessary to create an effective definition of diversity and inclusion. But Guthrie recognizes that a comprehensive definition may not always be practical with small businesses, non-profits and educational institutions, the book sets forth customized definitions for each type of organization. This approach broadens the appeal and value of Diversify or Die.
The customized definitions recognize the specific challenges and goals for various organizations and incorporates diversity and inclusion into their success determinants, a very practical and useful process. It did not escape our attention that the definition for diversity and inclusion could be applied to HBCUs as well.
After completing the diversity equation, the organization has the raw material necessary to implement the necessary steps using towards a successful diversity and inclusion strategy.
The demographics of the United States are changing as the diverse population grows in number, purchasing power and use of higher education. Organizations that wish to thrive in the current economy must recognize the profit proposition of diversity and inclusion by providing quality goods and services to diverse populations. Indeed, Guthrie's Diversify or Die Stock Analysis demonstrates how diversity and inclusion can have an impact on the stocks of publically traded companies. Diversify or Die is the first book to conduct long-term research comparing the stock market performance to companies that have been publically recognized for diversity and inclusion. This is analysis that no business leader - or future business leader - should be without.
Diversify or Die also provides innovative analysis and recommendations for Employee Resource Groups (ERG). As Guthrie is the President of the Blacks in Government (BIG), Carl T. Rowan Chapter, located in the U.S. Department of State, Guthrie has first hand experience running an ERG and has used the same principles of Diversify or Die in running his BIG ERG.
Guthrie did not want to write a theoretical book on diversity and inclusion, so almost all chapters contain an “Evolve and Succeed” section. This section asks the reader questions that relate to the information in the chapter. The questions are designed to continue to engage the reader in their diversity journey and use the learning from the chapter to improve their organization.
Diversify or Die is a must have for your business book collection - pick it up today!
About the Author: Eric L. Guthrie, Esq. graduated from Morehouse College, cum laude and Columbia Law School. Eric is the President & CEO of Better ME Better WE, where he travels the world consulting on: diversity and inclusion, leadership, teamwork, workplace synergies, as well as customized training to meet client’s needs. You learn more about Eric Guthrie, Esq. and Diversify or Die at
www.BetterMEBetterWE.com or
www.DiversifyorDie.org.
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Friday, November 17th 2017 at 5:11PM
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