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Actions Speak Louder: A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming an Inclusive Workplace
"A timely, practical resource on creating teams and organizations where everyone has the opportunity to succeed."
--Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and host of the podcast WorkLife
A step-by-step guide for managers, teams, and DEI leaders looking to create impactful, lasting change in their organization, from recruitment to retention, and beyond.
Are you tired of hollow promises about diversity, equity, and inclusion in your organization? Do you want to take steps towards real change – beyond issuing mission statements, signing checks, and holding listening sessions – but don’t know where to start? This book is your answer. Designed for teams to read together, Actions Speak Louder offers a comprehensive blueprint for leaders and teams who are ready to get out of their own way, look at their surroundings with new eyes, and turn their energy into a concrete plan.
Renowned DEI consultant Deanna Singh has led diversity trainings for a wide range of organizations, from non-profits to Fortune 500 companies. Using narratives, case studies, and the latest DEI research, as well as interactive exercises, Singh will teach you how
• Write inclusive job advertisements because “minorities just don’t apply here” isn’t an excuse – you’re just not reaching them
• Design an interview process that reduces status quo bias and challenges hiring decisions that are simply “no brainers”
• Create a retention plan that considers and prioritizes the needs of underrepresented employees – if you haven’t intentionally designed one to be inclusive, you’ve unintentionally reinforced one that is exclusive.
• Lead inclusive meetings – the bedrock of company culture – by practicing constructive dissent and elevating underrepresented perspectives
As Singh has seen time and time again, any organization can meaningfully change – you just need the right tools.
--Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and host of the podcast WorkLife
A step-by-step guide for managers, teams, and DEI leaders looking to create impactful, lasting change in their organization, from recruitment to retention, and beyond.
Are you tired of hollow promises about diversity, equity, and inclusion in your organization? Do you want to take steps towards real change – beyond issuing mission statements, signing checks, and holding listening sessions – but don’t know where to start? This book is your answer. Designed for teams to read together, Actions Speak Louder offers a comprehensive blueprint for leaders and teams who are ready to get out of their own way, look at their surroundings with new eyes, and turn their energy into a concrete plan.
Renowned DEI consultant Deanna Singh has led diversity trainings for a wide range of organizations, from non-profits to Fortune 500 companies. Using narratives, case studies, and the latest DEI research, as well as interactive exercises, Singh will teach you how
• Write inclusive job advertisements because “minorities just don’t apply here” isn’t an excuse – you’re just not reaching them
• Design an interview process that reduces status quo bias and challenges hiring decisions that are simply “no brainers”
• Create a retention plan that considers and prioritizes the needs of underrepresented employees – if you haven’t intentionally designed one to be inclusive, you’ve unintentionally reinforced one that is exclusive.
• Lead inclusive meetings – the bedrock of company culture – by practicing constructive dissent and elevating underrepresented perspectives
As Singh has seen time and time again, any organization can meaningfully change – you just need the right tools.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published May 31, 2022
6 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 14, 2023
Good introduction to concepts of inclusive leadership. The first part of the book is focused on personal development and the second part on organizational improvement. Good for someone at the very start of engaging in DEI concepts and advocacy at work. Also perhaps more relevant for an audience that works at a large employer or corporate setting.
July 4, 2022
A mixed bag. Covers a lot of ground and offers pragmatic recommendations, but not much nuance.
I read a lot of DEI books in search of the answer to my own issues as a marginalized person in the workplace, but never seem to find it. This book, no different in that respect.
I didn't get anything out of the exercises, especially the bridge building one. Most of the unprofessional things I see in my workplace aren't culturally or identity specific (belching, feet on desks, hats indoors).
I appreciate that the author included more than just race/women's issues, including transgender and LGBTQ identities in examples. A lot of DEI books are too narrowly focused. This one casts a pretty wide net, which is a major positive.
The author cites a lot of the books I've already read, both the good and bad ones. Similarly, most of the recommendations I could successfully advocate for are ones my employer already uses. So most of what's in the book are things that are well known or very basic.
This isn't a good book for people working outside of big-business. The author mentions government/non-profit sectors only once and that's more than 200 pages into the book. Almost nothing here can be applied to those sectors, and they need DEI help just as much as the business world does.
Overall, there's a lot of substance here, a lot of useful information, but anyone who has read a DEI book before has probably already heard it. Anyone completely naive/new to the discussion could do well starting here.
I read a lot of DEI books in search of the answer to my own issues as a marginalized person in the workplace, but never seem to find it. This book, no different in that respect.
I didn't get anything out of the exercises, especially the bridge building one. Most of the unprofessional things I see in my workplace aren't culturally or identity specific (belching, feet on desks, hats indoors).
I appreciate that the author included more than just race/women's issues, including transgender and LGBTQ identities in examples. A lot of DEI books are too narrowly focused. This one casts a pretty wide net, which is a major positive.
The author cites a lot of the books I've already read, both the good and bad ones. Similarly, most of the recommendations I could successfully advocate for are ones my employer already uses. So most of what's in the book are things that are well known or very basic.
This isn't a good book for people working outside of big-business. The author mentions government/non-profit sectors only once and that's more than 200 pages into the book. Almost nothing here can be applied to those sectors, and they need DEI help just as much as the business world does.
Overall, there's a lot of substance here, a lot of useful information, but anyone who has read a DEI book before has probably already heard it. Anyone completely naive/new to the discussion could do well starting here.
May 23, 2022
I try to live a values-aligned life. And what I loved most about this book is that it helps me better articulate my values of inclusion, equity and diversity and operationalize them into my business. Deanna offers relatable personal stories, strategic guidance and empowering leadership challenges that help business leaders align not only understand the underlying dynamics around DEI in the workplace, but offers tangible recommendations on what to do with that understanding.
The majority of the book focuses on seven focus areas: recruiting, hiring, onboarding, mentoring, retention, meetings, and performance reviews. These are activities businesses no matter the size are spending enormous amounts of time and energy on. Deanna offers at least ten specific ways to do each one, more inclusively. These recommendations are based not only on her personal experience as a DEIB consultant, but also from a wide variety of research and published literature.
Whether you lead an organization or work in one, and you too are seeking to align your values to the way you do your work, this is the book for you.
The majority of the book focuses on seven focus areas: recruiting, hiring, onboarding, mentoring, retention, meetings, and performance reviews. These are activities businesses no matter the size are spending enormous amounts of time and energy on. Deanna offers at least ten specific ways to do each one, more inclusively. These recommendations are based not only on her personal experience as a DEIB consultant, but also from a wide variety of research and published literature.
Whether you lead an organization or work in one, and you too are seeking to align your values to the way you do your work, this is the book for you.
June 17, 2022
This is a Must Read for everyone interested in improving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)!
It starts with a context of DEI topics at work and then goes into tangible areas people can implement at work. Some areas are more structural like performance reviews, hiring, onboarding new hires, retention and measuring progress. Other tips are things everyone can implement such as making meetings more inclusive, mentorship, and reducing bias.
I've been interested in DEI topics at work for years, have read and listened to as many resources as possible, and worked in DEI committees at work. I have searched for a book like this that provides a great intro overview for DEI and am so glad it's here. It is now my go-to recommendation for senior leaders and anyone else looking to understand better and improve DEI at work. As a companion to this book, I recommend "Bias Interrupted" by Joan C Williams, but I suggest starting with "Actions Speak Louder."
It starts with a context of DEI topics at work and then goes into tangible areas people can implement at work. Some areas are more structural like performance reviews, hiring, onboarding new hires, retention and measuring progress. Other tips are things everyone can implement such as making meetings more inclusive, mentorship, and reducing bias.
I've been interested in DEI topics at work for years, have read and listened to as many resources as possible, and worked in DEI committees at work. I have searched for a book like this that provides a great intro overview for DEI and am so glad it's here. It is now my go-to recommendation for senior leaders and anyone else looking to understand better and improve DEI at work. As a companion to this book, I recommend "Bias Interrupted" by Joan C Williams, but I suggest starting with "Actions Speak Louder."
May 4, 2024
Glad to have read this in such proximity to The Diversity Gap: Where Good Intentions Meet True Cultural Change. While many books focus on the ideas behind anti-racism - which is important - these books focus more on the day to day actions that can be taken to help fight racism especially within workplaces. Was excited to have another practical book to reach for that recognizes the challenges while also highlighting the importance of still making this work happen.
December 17, 2022
This book was rather lackluster and left much to be desired. In search of empowering a marginalized workforce, my search continues for nuanced and granular definitions and concepts.
While relatively simple and boilerplate, this book would serve as a decent introduction for individuals that have little-to-no experience with this concept. If you are familiar already, there are better books to pick up.
It was difficult to take actionable direction, but it will be a good reference point as a general glossary of ideals.
While relatively simple and boilerplate, this book would serve as a decent introduction for individuals that have little-to-no experience with this concept. If you are familiar already, there are better books to pick up.
It was difficult to take actionable direction, but it will be a good reference point as a general glossary of ideals.
December 15, 2022
Deanna Singh eloquently describes the importance or equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts as well as provides key action items regarding how each one of us can play a role in advancing these ideas in our workforce. Actions Speak Louder is an amazing, influential read and should be a required reading for all managers. Check it out to find out how you can make a EDI a personal journey and find how to bring inclusion to life in your day to day.
September 2, 2024
I read this as part of an informal DEI book club at work. There were some new ideas, and some reminders on things I’ve heard before. If you are part of an organization that has not really stepped into DEI yet, it could be a good, thought-provoking read. It can be for leaders or for workers.
June 1, 2022
This book provides organizations with a quality plan to incorporate diversity and equity in structural practices.
July 7, 2022
I enjoyed this book. It was useful and provided actual, real things you can do to make for a more inclusive workspace, applicable to anyone at any level in a business.
August 1, 2022
Lots of good information here, but a bit repetitive on what's already out. Still took away some things to think about.
February 12, 2023
So many important takeaways and ah ha moments for me. I highly encourage reading this if you are involved in DEI work or would like to help make a positive impact in this space.
September 18, 2023
for some reason my notes are not transferring over to Goodreads and the book has expired so I cannot share what I learned from this book. Some ideas were new and others were not.
February 14, 2023
Excellent guide to actionable steps for a more inclusive workplace. The book gives direct advice for those with decision making power, privilege, and/or personnel management roles. The language is clear and the steps are very feasible in this no nonsense book. For those who may not have total power at their organization, the chapters can be used to “spot check” specific areas. The appendices are incredible helpful and can be used as a workbook and discussion guide for managers and staff development.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews