Almost Doing Good: Doing the Best That You Can With What You Have Some of the Time

by Jessica Pettitt

What if ‘almost’ could be your organization’s secret weapon for success?

This is not your typical crisis-management book. It's an invitation to embrace disruption, tackle complexity, and move beyond good intentions toward real, measurable impact.

With her signature candor, humor, and no-nonsense style, Pettitt lays out a clear, practical framework for organizations to Prepare, Recognize, and Respond to challenges that can weaken or destroy them if ignored.

If you’re ready to do something to address the toughest problems facing your organizational culture, ‘almost’ is about to become a very powerful step toward lasting change. Almost Doing Good will inspire you to take action, even when the path forward isn’t clear, and give you reasons to keep going with more than 20 real-world case studies from clients who made good intentions worse—from ERGs to lunchtime yoga to Black Lives Matter non-demonstrations to breastfeeding stations—with reframes to help you make good intentions better. And it’s all from a crisis management expert who has spent more than 20 years helping more than 1400 organizations and half a million people “do the best they can with what they have some of the time.”

Almost Doing Good is an essential guide for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone passionate about building a workplace culture that doesn’t shy away from challenges, who understands that company culture and public perception can make or break organizations, and who is ready to embrace almost in the neverending quest to improve.

263 pages, Paperback

Published September 19, 2024

Reviews

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a refreshing and timely read! "Almost Doing Good" offers an accessible framework for truly inclusive leadership that meets today’s challenges. As someone who has spent decades helping leaders navigate doubt and uncertainty, I can wholeheartedly recommend this book—not as one that adds to the confusion, but as one that brings clarity and real guidance.

Pettitt’s humor and real-world examples transform what could be overwhelming DEI concepts into actionable insights. I particularly appreciate her inspiring reminder that none of us have mastered this yet—so aiming for second best removes the paralysis of perfectionism that stops many leaders from even trying.

The thought-provoking questions throughout the book serve as powerful coaching prompts, helping readers move from theory to practice in their own unique contexts. Whether you're leading a startup, a multinational corporation, or a nonprofit, "Almost Doing Good" provides a clear path forward while honoring the complexity of inclusive leadership.

This isn't just another DEI book—it's a practical guide for leaders ready to build teams and organizations where everyone can truly thrive. If you're committed to leading with both effectiveness and equity, this book deserves a spot on your desk—not just your bookshelf!

[Erin Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few years back, I worked with Jess while organizing a professional conference, and loved her speaking style, the topics she tackled, and now, I just finished reading her second book!

"Almost Doing Good" by Jessica Pettitt is a must-read for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Pettitt’s sharp wit and humor make this book both engaging and enlightening.

Through relatable examples and case studies, she tackles complex issues like privilege and identity, inviting readers to reflect on their own biases. Her candid approach to DEI pitfalls encourages genuine self-examination, helping you move beyond surface-level actions toward meaningful change.

Just like Jess herself (if you've happened to see her speak or emcee an event), this book offers a perfect blend of laughter and insight that will inspire you to do better!

[Courtney J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Pettitt’s, “Almost Doing Good”, is a masterful guide for addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our organizations. DEI is complex, but so are many of the issues facing leaders today. “Almost Doing Good” is a roadmap for DEI but also addressing the complexities of problem solving in general with self awareness, nimbleness of thought, authentic alliances with stakeholders, and boatloads of curiosity and try. Through humorous analogies and her own experiences Jess offers a framework, reframes questions, and provides case studies that illustrate the wins and losses of other organizations’ DEI problem solving.

[Crystal Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a time when false dichotomies are ripping apart organizations, author Jessica Pettitt shows leaders how to start with what they have now to build a stronger, more inclusive culture. Through case studies where leaders *almost* got it right, Pettitt demonstrates how we can get better results by asking more questions and being transparent in the change process. While the book is jam-packed with gems, it's written in a conversational and easy-to-follow format. No matter one's background or political leanings, anyone can read this book and walk away with new ideas for crafting a better work environment.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, "Almost Doing Good" is so needed; it dives into the complexities of diversity work and encourages leaders to see challenges as chances to grow and connect. Jess highlights that “almost” successes can be key steps toward building a culture of recognition and inclusion. This book is perfect for anyone looking to make a real difference in their organization and doesn’t want to feel weighed down by it (Jess would never let that happen). If you care about creating a more inclusive environment, this is a read you won’t want to miss.

[Eamon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love about Jess Pettitt’s work and this book epitomizes all of it, is her intelligence, insight and instincts to cut through the performance, the corporate speak, the identity politics, the games people play and see to the very heart of the matter at hand - the matter of doing the most good we can at this very moment. Some might lazily see this as compromise but it’s not, it’s courageous, it’s gritty, it’s kind, it’s compassionate and it’s hard but it’s what we all need now more than ever. Jess Pettitt is a treasure.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great concept and read. It's a heavy topic with a light touch. I appreciated how the examples were relatable and not something you could never imagine. I also knew this book would be different as soon as I got to page 11 and it encouraged you to cut out the page (iykyk). Witty and thought provoking, with an edge of patience and 'make you think more than you wanted to', I'll be suggesting this to anyone and everyone as a good read.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Good Enough is such a valuable resource! It dials down the temperature by embracing complexity and lowering the pressure on leaders to be perfect, allowing them to lean in to DEI work in their organization. It offers practical guidance with several frameworks to help you translate lessons directly into your context. One read won't be enough; the questions Jess poses throughout the book provoke deep thought about DEI - something I expect to revisit over and over again.

[Summer Stark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess is an amazing person and her book is a wonderful reflection of that! This book is so fun, with great quotes and illustrations throughout. If you're looking for something to read that will help you in the end be a slightly better human on this planet, give it a spin!

[Cory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too often universities and companies try to make change for the better without fully assessing why something may or may not be working. At a time when Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work is so important within colleges and universities, it is important to think about the right questions to be asking when implementing new initiatives large or small. “Almost Doing Good” by Jess Pettitt does just this. The book is meant to be a tool for meaningful change, and Pettitt does a fabulous job getting readers to really think about what we’re trying to accomplish through meaningful stories, intentional questions, and just her all-around fun sense of humor. I also recall her sharing some of these points when she presented at the AIMHO Conference 13+ years ago! For my friends in colleges and universities who want to make some change for the better, I strongly recommend you add “Almost Doing Good” to your reading list! This book is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle.

[Pat Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess Pettitt has written a book that is so essential, it hit the #1 spot almost immediatly.
Because we always seem to worry about the end game but rarely look at ourselves to figure out the person we need to become to get there, this book deals with that gracefully and gives us permission to do so on our own terms. From personal to organizational, the applications of this book are huge.