Diversity Playbook

A plethora of books about diversity have been published in the last two years, so you may wonder why another is needed. Diversity Playbook, written by Michelle R. Lloyd-Paige and Michelle D. Williams and published by ACU Press, brings unique insight into this field and is well-worth your time. Written for and by professionals in the field of Christian Higher Education (CHE), Diversity Playbook is grounded in scripture and first-hand examples illustrating the importance of this topic. While Lloyd-Paige and Williams are diversity professionals, their audience is not limited to those who include diversity in their official job description but includes anyone and everyone in CHE who is interested in this topic as well as other fields. The book is divided into three parts which are For the Diversity Professional, For the Outliers, Allies, and Co-Conspirators, and For the Organization. Everyone is highly encouraged to read all three sections regardless of where you fit in your organization. Each chapter opens with scripture and ends with a summary titled Takeaways. The authors take turns sharing their stories and experiences using Michelle L. or Michelle W. to indicate whose perspective is being shared. Most chapters also include several footnotes. Lloyd-Paige and Williams have a very conversational tone in their writing which provides inviting, "you can do this: encouragement to readers.

Diversity Playbook is highly recommended for any Christian organization not just higher education. While some examples may not be relevant, most information can be applied to any organization. I found the section For the Diversity Professional appropriate for anyone in, or aspiring to, a leadership position. Diversity Playbook is highly recommended for libraries in CHE institutions, has potential to be used as a leadership textbook, and should be required reading for CHE administrators and boards. Beyond CHE, any Christian organization will find this book immensely useful as will Christians in leadership roles who wish to bring a Christian understanding of diversity to their own organizations.

A complementary copy of Diversity Playbook was provided to me from ACU Press via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Lead Like It Matters

Recently I had the opportunity to read the new book Lead Like It Matters to God: Values-Driven Leadership in a Success-Driven World. In this slim book, Richard Stearns who is best known for his role as president of World Vision, presents "17 values to transform your leadership." While published by InterVarsity Press and definitely from a Christian point of view, the primary audience is anyone who is a leader in secular or Christian organizations. Stearns emphasizes that no matter your place of service, anyone who is a Christ-follower is called to be Christ's ambassador in all that they do.

Although there are 17 values presented, Lead Like It Matters to God has 20 chapters which include an introduction, conclusion, and a chapter providing biographical background information about Stearns. As Stearns combines leadership principles with stories from his own experiences, these chapters are helpful in establishing his credibility. For example, while most recently serving in a Christian non-profit organization, Stearns spent the majority of his career working in huge companies such as Parker Brothers and Lenox. His first hand experiences in these companies provids numerous examples which demonstrate the principles he shares are useful in any leadership setting. Each chapter begins with a scripture, a leadership principle, and a quote which introduces the value presented. These resources alone are worthwhile.

While an excellent book for anyone who is or aspires to be a leader in any setting, Lead like It Matters to God is unabashedly Christian. As such, it would make an excellent choice as a textbook or supplementary reading in a leadership course. A small group would benefit from reading and discussing the book together. With 20 brief chapters, an individual could work through the book devotionally as well. If you are still looking for a graduation present for your favorite high school or college graduate or someone who is embarking on a new career, this book is just what you are looking for.

I received a complementary copy of Lead Like It Matters to God from InterVarsity Press via NetGalley. All views are my own and I am not obligated to leave a positive review.

The Art of Being Indispensable at Work

Everyone wants to be indispensable in their work place. Doing so can be difficult and possibly lead to burnout or being overwhelmed and overcommitted. The Art of Being Indispensable at Work, published by Harvard Business Review Press, provides the resources you need to become the go-to person in your workplace and teach others how to be indispensable as well. After reading this book, being indispensable won't feel like a lofty and out of reach goal.

Tulgan emphasizes that businesses today are using a collaborative model instead of an hierarchical model. This flatter organizational chart can provide opportunities for more cross-departmental projects and collaboration. But cross-departmental projects can lead to confusion as to who is in charge and who has authority over projects. With this collaborative work environment in mind, Tulgan emphasizes the importance of working both vertically with a boss or supervisor and individuals whom report to you as well as sideways and diagonally with individuals in other departments. In all of these relationships Tulgan encourages readers and provides a blue print to become a go-to person who gets things done fast, right, and on time.

From page one until the end of the book, Bruce Tulgan provides practical how-tos and examples everyone can understand and relate to--in fact you will recognize yourself or someone you work with in the examples. While published by a noted business publishing company, this book is not limited to people who work in an office setting or are business executives. This is demonstrated by the fact that Tulgan uses examples drawn from the medical field and manual labor including ditch digging in addition to traditional businesses. The Art of Being Indispensable at Work is highly recommended as a textbook or as a book to read with colleagues. While some might want to keep the secret to being indispensable to themselves, Tulgan encourages that a true indispensable person helps others to become indispensable as well.  Buy this book for yourself and for everyone in your office and learn how to work better and smarter regardless of your position.

I received a complementary copy of The Art of Being Indispensable at Work from Harvard Business Review Press via NetGalley.