What If? Lib/E: 10th Anniversary Edition: Short Stories to Spark Inclusion & Diversity Dialogue

by Steve L. Robbins

From incomparable storyteller and beloved diversity and inclusion expert, Steve L. Robbins, comes the tenth anniversary edition of his classic book, What If? , used by scores of companies globally for diversity training. This tenth anniversary edition of the beloved classic features ten new stories written by Dr. Robbins that help listeners gain deeper insight into the role our brains play in shaping our thoughts and actions, and what we can do to be more curious and open-minded in our diverse world. Based on his study of the fields of behavioral science and cognitive neuroscience, Robbins explores unconscious bias in many of its forms, including availability bias, confirmation bias, anchoring bias, and others. With his signature humor, these weighty but important topics are addressed with great insight, care, and humility. The result is an unpretentious guide for individuals and organizations that will help break down defenses and shine a helpful light on human behavior in a world filled with differences.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Leadership, Education, Social Justice, Essays

Audio CD

First published June 25, 2008

About the author

Dr. Steve Long-Nguyen Robbins is the founder and owner of S.L. Robbins and Associates, a consulting firm on issues of human behavior based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Reviews

[Sharon Orlopp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very powerful short stories about diversity.

The book starts with a quote from Steve Robbins, the author, "Justice requires those who suffer the least to speak up the most."

It is each of our responsibility to clear a path for others because paths have been cleared for us.

Steve's personal story helped me understand why he is so passionate about diversity and it hooked me immediately.

The first chapter is a story about the right environment and it involves a species of fish that is put in the wrong type of pond. I have used this story several times to show why it's so important to create an environment for success for all, particularly for those who may be new to the environment.

Highly recommend!

[Moira · Rating 2 out of 5]

Easily digestible stories to discuss seeing different points of view and how an organization can pivot. It really needs to be updated to how we are talking about race and racism, diversity and inclusion, in 2021. Especially if organizations are still turning to it as a guide.

[Rebecca McNamara · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this book of short essays, Steve Robbins gives metaphorical examples from his personal life that he encourages the reader to apply to organizational-based diversity issues and lessons. Each short story is followed by a set of questions meant to be used in a workplace book club (this book only works if group discussion is involved). Unfortunately, his metaphors are often oversimplified, and when it comes to actual issues of diversity, he speaks in abstract ways. The book is strongest when the author gives concrete tools we can use; when discussing Native American mascots, Robbins makes a comparison to theoretical Christian mascots – a usable example that can be applied to conversation and debate. But most stories don't contain those tools. Further, he occasionally discredits himself. His overtly sexist remarks – men don't like to ask for directions, for instance – are particularly shocking in a book focused on creating more diverse, welcoming atmospheres. The writing is mediocre at best (Robbins offers the caveat that he is "not by profession a writer" in the preface, but that is no excuse when your name is on the cover of a book), but is easy to read and the short story format lends itself well to a workplace book club discussion.

[Brooke Dilling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good stories to bring about dialogue regarding diversity. Other stories are overly simplistic and/or overly idealistic. The book was also written in 2009, many of the stories refer to technology that is severely outdated... there is also a story singing the praises of Tiger Woods that made me cringe. I guess he fell from grace after this book came out.

[Susan Mack · Rating 2 out of 5]

The introduction was very strong, but, ultimately, the focus of the book was to spark diversity dialogue in a corporate setting, which was not why I chose to read the book.

[Amy KP · Rating 2 out of 5]

Concepts are pretty elementary if you are well versed in inclusion and diversity concepts. Could use a good edit to shorten. I read this to get SHRM-SCP credits.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the new edition of this book. I truly loved the book with its short impactful chapters. Thought provoking in a gentle way causing me to look at the world in a different way.

[Corinne M Westphal · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got and read this book because I've seen Robbins' videos on YouTube and he's a very good and engaging speaker. As for the book, I appreciate Robbins' example from his own life. He presents his challenges and his observations of other relevant examples in a vivid and interesting way (though he admits that he's not a writer). I see this book and the exercises he suggests at the end of each chapter as potentially good conversation starters among family and friends, however I struggle to see the real application for or within the workplace. Perhaps as supplemental reading to a workshop that he presents in the workplace, this could work well.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed all the personal accounts and examples Robbins uses to pull the reader in. The stories made me care, entertained me, made me think deep thoughts, but the connection to the actual topic of diversity and inclusion weren’t necessarily hard and concrete connections. I walk away thinking the points he made in his stories we extremely relevant and poignant, that they apply to so much in parenting, marriage, life skills in general, but not so much on the intended topic. As a motivational speaker/writer, he’s got it all there, but the actual business application was lacking for me.

[Matthew E Novak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Robbins tells some interesting and funny stories and greatly simplifies inclusion and diversity issues. He asks some insightful questions at the end of every chapter. This is a light read and in a lot of ways makes a very complex topic seem easy (almost too easy for my liking). It would have been good to include more data and more science around these very complex issues.

[Jerry Mahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. Great insight on a very important subject. I enjoyed how Robbins used personal stories to illustrate his points. Some of the illustrations are now a bit dated, but still very useful and enjoyable.

[Susan Woerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific, organized way of addressing personal racism. Use this book in combination with other books to reflect and grow about white privilege and personal ways to identify, confront and end racism.

[Autumn (Triquetra Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant stories to get you thinking about Diversity, and how to bring it to the workplace.

[Sarah Klawinski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for work. It's like the DEI book you would read before DEI 101.....I guess it's ok for someone who needs gently lead into the subject matter but seems way too watered down.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book won't change your life, but for a book of short stories, it will get conversations going about inclusion. The author is really funny and likable, which helps.

[Kari McDowell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was interesting, but I am clearly not the target audience. I think it is mainly aimed at CEOs.

[Jennifer]

Soporific listen for me but from what I did hear, seems like a very gentle entry point for folks who are new to diversity/inclusion conversation

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Corporate speaker Steve L. Robbins using examples from his own life including his children as a minority to assist companies large and small to increase diversity in the workplace. His stories and follow-up questions can also help individuals to look at the world from a different perspective than they may have ever experienced.
What If? also presents specific ideas of what organizations can do to engage our global world, build core competencies in diversity and inclusion, and benefit from the best talent available - regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, race, or disability. Thought-provoking short essays to inspire a better workplace and perhaps to inspire the reader to be a better member of our increasingly global society.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author's self-assessment that he is not a writer is pretty on point, however the stories are decent and definitely bring home some great points in very memorable ways. I certainly could use some of these stories to generate discussion around diversity issues but more importantly they can inspire me to write down my own stories to use in my work. A nice quick read but it can also lead to a lot of challenging work if you follow all the suggestions at the end of each story.

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty much what it says. Quick page or two long ruminations that get a good conversation going. Maybe not a book everyone would want to read front to cover, but for it's goal, it's about perfect. Many of the blurbs are based on the author's stories of his kids and experiences, though others are observational (If Star Trek, the original series was so diverse, then why were all the people in charge of the Enterprise, white men?) Really good at what it is trying to accomplish.

[Lyzette Wanzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay read. I suppose I was expecting a more pithy treatment of the topic. I also didn't realize that all of the "lesson stories" would come from the author's life. Certainly I anticipated that some would be, but not every single one. That got wearying after a while.

Each chapter closes with solid, practical, actionable exercises to try. If you are reading this book from a CEO, CFO, or VP viewpoint, consider wading into these challenging assignments at each chapter's close.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a lovely book... i love love love the stories.. so easy to relate to ... regardless of who you are

[Laura Hoffman Brauman]

Good conversation starters.

[Kia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone wanting to foster diversity. Well written for an individual read or as a group. I think it's meant for businesses but I can see uses in any organization.

[Jen Mendeck · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an assignment for work.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent as a conversation starter. A little light on meat of the issues.