Book Review
Book Review of Diversify or Die
Diversify or Die is an innovative book about diversity and inclusion. Every executive, manager, supervisor, entrepreneur, and even employees would benefit from the lessons in this very special book.
Diversify or Die convincingly demonstrates how diversity and inclusion have a direct impact on the bottom line of every organization, be they for profit or not for profit. Even governments would benefit. Indeed, Diversify or Die posits that organizations must diversify their leadership, employees, vision, mission, communications and marketing or ultimately they will lose out to their competition and eventually die.
Many people think of diversity and inclusion simply as it exists in corporate America; however, Guthrie addresses them it in the context of small businesses, non-profits and educational institutions, where the vast majority of Americans are actually employed.
One of the most creative concepts of Diversify or Die is the comparison of the works of Charles Darwin to contemporary practices of diversity and inclusion. Specifically, Guthrie discusses The Origins of Species and On the Descent of Man to demonstrate the evolutionary concept of diversity and inclusion. Fascinating reading!
In another a groundbreaking approach, Diversify or Die actually defines what diversity and inclusion are, which of course is very useful. This effort has been missing from past writings in this field - their fatal flaw. Guthrie's approaches this matter by using what he calls the "diversity equation” to analyze the components necessary to create an effective definition of diversity and inclusion. But since he recognizes that a comprehensive definition may not always be practical with small businesses, non-profits and educational institutions, the book sets forth customized definitions for each type of organization.
The customized definitions recognize the specific challenges and goals for various organizations and incorporates diversity and inclusion into their success determinants, a very practical and useful process.
After completing the diversity equation, the organization has the raw material necessary to implement the necessary steps using towards diversity and inclusion.
The demographics of the United States are changing as the diverse population grows in number, purchasing power and use of higher education. Organizations that wish to thrive in the current economy must recognize the profit proposition of diversity and inclusion by providing quality goods and services to diverse populations. Indeed, Guthrie's Diversify or Die Stock Analysis demonstrates how diversity and inclusion can even have an impact on the stocks of publically-traded companies. Diversify or Die is the first book to conduct long term research comparing the stock market performance to companies that have been publicly recognized for diversity and inclusion. This is analysis that no business leader - or future business leader - should miss out on.
Since Guthrie did not want to write a theoretical book on diversity and inclusion, so almost all chapters contain an “Evolve and Succeed” section. This section asks the reader questions that relate to the information in the chapter. The questions are designed to continue to engage the reader in their diversity journey and use the learning from the chapter to improve their organization.
Diversify or Die is a must have for your business book collection - pick it up today!