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Leaders need to be more inclusive especially as the workforce continues to operate in a remote/hybrid environment. There are numerous factors that leaders and managers need to balance: supporting unique professional styles, empowering minority individuals and creating spaces where employees can be their authentic selves while balancing their day-to-day responsibilities.
So whether you are pushing yourself to read more, looking for a recommendation for book club or wanting to pick up a new book to give yourself a break from screens, here is a list of 10 books for leaders who are focused on creating positive and inclusive workplaces or individuals who are passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion.
DEI books for leaders who want to foster difficult conversations:
We can’t talk about that at work! How to talk about race, religion, politics, and other polarizing topics
by Mary-Frances Winters
We’ve all heard the expression about not talking about politics and religion at the dinner table during Thanksgiving but what if we could have these conversations in the workplace? Mary-Frances Winters shows us that we can have intentional conversations even if the topics are controversial.
Click here to find this book on Amazon.
Blindspot: Hidden biases of good people
by Mahzarin Banaji and Anthony Greenwald
As humans, we all have hidden biases that we carry from a lifetime of exposure to attitudes about age, gender, race, religion, social class, sexuality, ethnicity, etc. In this book, the authors unpack how our hidden biases can have an impact on our likes, dislikes, judgements, and maybe actions even in ways we may not realize.
Click here to find this book on Amazon.
35 dumb things well-intended people say: Surprising things we say that widen the diversity gap
by Maura Cullen
There are words or phrases that we use in our day to day that can actually cause harm, even if we don’t intend. Such words or statements can result in building a divide between the people we regularly interact with. This is a great book about the power of language, and we can learn how to be more conscious of the words we use in our daily lives.
Click here to find this book on Amazon.
DEI books for leaders who want to be better allies:
How to be an inclusive leader: Your role in creating cultures of belonging where everyone can thrive
by Jennifer Brown
Jennifer Brown provides guidance and strategies to enable leaders to create a work environment that supports diversity and allows all individuals to flourish.
Click here to find this book on Amazon.
Good guys: How men can be better allies for women in the workplace
by W. Brad Johnson and David G Smith
Men have a crucial role in promoting and improving gender equality at work. This book is a great read for male-identifying individuals or leaders who want to empower women in their organizations but may not know what steps to take.
Click here to find this book on Amazon.
The memo: What women of color need to know to secure a seat at the table
by Minda Harts
Most business books focus on career advice that overlooks the unique experiences of minority individuals in the workplace. Minda Hards unpacks the “ugly truths” and the unique barriers that women of color face. This is a read for leaders and managers who want to support women in the workplace and empower them to secure a seat at the table.
Click here to find this book on Amazon.
Better allies: Everyday actions to create inclusive, engaging workplaces
by Karen Catlin
Employees are asking how they can play a role in building an inclusive workplace, and one secret is practicing active allyship. This book is a great read for individuals who are looking for ways to be an ally in the workplace but aren’t sure what actionable steps to take.
Click here to find this book on Amazon.
DEI books for leaders who are ready to take action:
The loudest duck: Moving beyond diversity while embracing differences to achieve success at work
by Laura Liswood
Individuals within the workplace need to be celebrated for their unique perspectives. This book is for any manager, team leader or employee who wants to promote diversity efforts within their organizations so that they can become more successful and profitable.
Click here to find this book on Amazon.
Inclusify: The power of uniqueness and belonging to build innovative teams
by Stefanie K. Johnson
All humans have a desire to fit in and belong so how can organizations celebrate individuality while balancing the feeling of belonging? Stefanie Johnson defines what it means to “inclusify,” which is an effort for diverse teams to feel engaged, empowered, accepted, appreciated and valued.
Click here to find this book on Amazon.
The remix: How to lead and succeed in the multigenerational workplace
by Lindsey Pollak
How can current and future leaders and managers balance the needs of Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials and Generation Z in the workplace? This book depicts today’s multigenerational workplace and how executives, managers and employees can thrive working together while understanding each generations’ attitudes, expectations and professional styles.
Click here to find this book on Amazon.
We hope that you find this list helpful and that you bring the lessons you learn into your organizations. But we know that reading is one way of learning how to foster inclusive work environments. We also encourage you to have conversations within your organizations about how leaders need to be inclusive and hold discussions on how to create inclusive and equitable workplaces for all employees.
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