Publishers Weekly
03/09/2020
Most companies that think they’re encouraging diverse and inclusive practices are actually not, according to this disappointing treatise from Johnson, an associate management professor at the Leeds School of Business. She sees business leaders as still largely in thrall to the meritocracy myth, and as failing to take diverse backgrounds, experiences, and skills into account when hiring. To address this, Johnson urges organizations to focus on helping employees feel that they belong—the power of this feeling, she argues, is universal, and key to success. She also helps readers learn how to break their own biases, starting with a shift from unconscious to conscious thinking, and how to develop and build solid teams. These efforts need to be incorporated into every single day, she says, and from this conviction comes the term “inclusifying,” a “continuous, sustained effort toward helping diverse teams feel engaged, empowered, accepted, and valued.” (Why this familiar idea requires a neologism worthy of Michael Scott is not explained.) Johnson’s well-intentioned offering doesn’t provide much new to employers wondering why their supposedly merit-based team is, once again, all white men. Agent: Michael Palgon, Palgon Company. (June)
From the Publisher
Many leaders are talking about building more diverse, inclusive workplaces, but few are making real progress. Stefanie K. Johnson is here to do something about that. In addition to her work as a leading researcher, Johnson has extensive experience consulting and advising; her book is full of rigorous evidence and practical ideas for making sure that people who stand out are able to fit in as well.” — Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Originals and Give and Take and host of the chart-topping TED podcast WorkLife
“Inclusify is a practical, action-oriented guide to being a better leader for all of your stakeholders. This book will be a game changer for creating more innovative, engaged, and productive teams. Through her academic research and interviews with top CEOs, Stefanie Johnson has compiled remarkable data and insights that have the power to change the world.” — Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, #1 executive coach in the world
“In Inclusify, Stefanie K. Johnson takes the conversation beyond diversity, moving us closer to real inclusion and equality. Her positive spin on what we can achieve by working together will change the workplace.” — Billie Jean King, founder, Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative
“Stefanie K. Johnson’s book provides a new lens through which to examine diversity and inclusion that is both practical and insightful. Inclusify provides so much intriguing data to feed your mind but also shares great stories that engage your heart.” — Verna Myers, VP of Inclusion Strategy, Netflix
Verna Myers
Stefanie K. Johnson’s book provides a new lens through which to examine diversity and inclusion that is both practical and insightful. Inclusify provides so much intriguing data to feed your mind but also shares great stories that engage your heart.
Billie Jean King
In Inclusify, Stefanie K. Johnson takes the conversation beyond diversity, moving us closer to real inclusion and equality. Her positive spin on what we can achieve by working together will change the workplace.
Adam Grant
Many leaders are talking about building more diverse, inclusive workplaces, but few are making real progress. Stefanie K. Johnson is here to do something about that. In addition to her work as a leading researcher, Johnson has extensive experience consulting and advising; her book is full of rigorous evidence and practical ideas for making sure that people who stand out are able to fit in as well.
Dr. Marshall Goldsmith
Inclusify is a practical, action-oriented guide to being a better leader for all of your stakeholders. This book will be a game changer for creating more innovative, engaged, and productive teams. Through her academic research and interviews with top CEOs, Stefanie Johnson has compiled remarkable data and insights that have the power to change the world.
