Diversity Training That Generates Real Change

This complete guide to effective, transformative diversity training provides an answer to the superficial, check-the-box DEI efforts that are undermining the entire field.

DEI work is getting a bad reputation. But that's because it's not being done right, say veteran diversity consultants James O. Rodgers and Laura Kangas. Too many organizations are treating diversity training as a quick-hit, low-cost, check-the-box activity.

Effective diversity training involves behavioral change based on adult learning theory. It is rigorous, deeply personal, experience based, and, if done well, life changing. Rodgers and Kangas offer a complete guide, from design to implementation to results. They show how to

• determine what specific, tangible outcomes an organization wants before it starts
• link diversity training to overall organizational strategy
• help all participants forge an individual, emotional connection to the training
• identify what skills a facilitator needs-the right facilitator makes all the difference
• create memorable learning experiences, not simply educational programs

The authors' goal is nothing less than to spark a worldwide revolution of informed practitioners, employees, and business leaders who will demand diversity training be given the same time, resources, and attention as any other critical enterprise initiative.

Reading group discussion guide available in book.

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Contents
• Foreword by Marshall Goldsmith
• Introduction: What Generates Real Change
• Chapter 1: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: What’s Training Got to Do with It?
• Chapter 2: Begin with the End—Know Your Why
• Chapter 3: Connect DEI Training to All Aspects of Business Strategy
• Chapter 4: Adult Learning: People Hate Being Told How to Think
• Chapter 5: Creating Safe Space
• Chapter 6: Engaging Your Audience
• Chapter 7: Experiment–Expect–Examine. Confirm That It Works
• Chapter 8: It Could Happen to Any of Us
• Conclusion: Start, Restart, or Recover: But Get on Track!
• Discussion Guide
• Acknowledgments
• Index
• About the Authors

“Both Jim and his longtime mentor Dr. Roosevelt Thomas were pioneering experts in corporate diversity and guided our senior management team through some turbulent times. In this new book, Jim and Laura Kangas provide wisdom that results-driven organizations should heed.”
-Carl Ware, former Executive Vice President, Coca-Cola Company, and author of Portrait of an American Businessman

“Leaders seeking effective DEI training needs to think strategically about why it matters and how it will happen. Rodgers and Kangas address both the ‘why' and the ‘how.' This useful guide is must reading!”
-Beverly Daniel Tatum, PhD, President Emerita, Spelman College, and author of Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?

“The timeliness of this book cannot be overstated. Companies can and need to take DEI work seriously for the obvious reason: their business. Jim and Laura have put forth what companies can do to be successful in their effort. Employees who value diversity in the workplace will value it in their communities.”
-Paul S. Bracy, founder and President, Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation

“Jim is widely recognized as ‘The Diversity Coach'. For over 25 years, Jim and Laura have elevated the strategic and practical elements of diversity that bring the right focus to diversity training. Their knowledge, experience, and commitment to work in the diversity space keeps the focus on results. This book will help readers achieve meaningful and measurable results.”
--Chris Womack, President and CEO, Georgia Power Company

“This book will guide organizational leaders and workplace learning professionals. It presents a powerful business rationale to help leaders sell the concept of effective diversity training to their organizations. I will recommend this book to all my clients!”
-Shelton J. Goode, PhD, CEO, Icarus Consulting; former Chief Diversity Officer, Oshkosh, PPL, and MARTA; and author of Beyond Inclusion

“Finally, a book that elevates diversity training to its natural level of significance in the DEI world while teaching you how to do it ‘right.' It's a must-read for any person or institution that selects diversity training as a component of its strategy.”
-Dani Monroe, DEI pioneer and author of Untapped Talent

“Diversity is certainly a complex and challenging issue. In this book, Jim and Laura show us how to distill it down to its essence and develop an achievable path forward.”
-David Peterson, Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus, North Highland Consulting

“Since diversity emerged as an area of focus, diversity training has become a perfunctory outcome for many organizations - a 'check the box' activity. Jim and Laura remind us that diversity training is the vehicle that allows us to achieve the potential of DEI. By creating a space for human connections to be reaffirmed; by developing skills to navigate the tensions that differences can engender; and by actively seeking commonalities, we learn how to be inclusive. Jim and Laura provide a roadmap to acquire these learned behaviors that strengthen employees, increase their sense of belonging, and improve organizations.”
-Maureen H. Hunter, Ph. D. Organizational Consultant and contributing author to Managing Differently