Acceptance: Developing Support for Change (Diversity Breakthrough! Strategic Action Series) (Paperback)

~ The Very Reverend Alan Jones - Grace Cathedral (Author), The Very Reverend Alan Jones (Author) "There is compelling evidence across industries, across the world and throughout history that assures us that diversity is essential for us to prosper as organizations..." (more)
Key Phrases: influence organizational effectiveness, inclusive organization, supporting books, Diversity Breakthrough, Strategic Action Series, The Diversity Factor (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The second of six short and snappy booklets in Debbe Kennedy's easy-to-use Diversity Breakthrough! Strategic Action series, Acceptance focuses on developing internal support for diversity-promoting change within the organization, from engaging leaders at all levels to connecting with sponsors to getting buy-in from everyone involved.

Like all the booklets in this goal-oriented series, this one comes with self-assessment tools, concrete action strategies to mobilize change, and fun, quick action-planning worksheets, all in a concise 64-page format that's as adaptable to an organization-wide initiative or a small group effort as it is to an individual's nighttime reading and enrichment (where organizational change, after all, often begins). In real-life, first-person accounts, leaders from such diverse organizations as the U.S. Army, Leap Wireless International, IBM, and the Mars Exploration Program talk about how they have grappled, and continue to grapple, with diversity issues in such areas as business practices, staffing, and overall culture.

Readers can use this booklet alone or in conjunction with others in the series, each of which focuses on a crucial phase in what author Kennedy, a veteran consultant and a former manager of Equal Opportunity and human resources at IBM, calls the "imperfect circle" of change: "Assessment," "Acceptance," "Action," "Accountability," "Achievement," and--you guessed it--"More Action." The Breakthrough system also includes a pack of 52 cards, each of which spells out a specific diversity roadblock (starting with "Our leadership team does not reflect our stated commitment to inclusion."). Passed around in group format, they allow participants to literally "put their cards on the table" about internal issues they'd rather not bring up aloud--making for not just a brilliant icebreaker on a touchy subject but a crucial first step in isolating strengths and weaknesses in the realm of diversity.

Whether you read Acceptance á la carte or along with its counterparts, if you're looking for a non-technocratic, non-touchy-feely toolkit that demystifies diversity management and accords it the seriousness it deserves, this is it--and at a fraction of the price a consultant would charge. --Timothy Murphy

Review

Debbe Kennedy has given us multiple gifts--first, the gift of her deep experience with diversity work, and second, her creative gifts of presenting these ideas in a way that makes them intriguing and compelling. We have a great need for her work, because until we learn to work together in all our awesome, disturbing, and intriguing diversity, we will not be able to create organizations that can dance through these turbulent days. -- Margaret J. Wheatley, author Leadership and the New Science,

Debbe Kennedy provides both insight and action for any practioner at any size company with the topic of diversity on their plate! A perfect set of interventions for the beginner or the skilled professional. I took a tour of Debbe Kennedy's new work one evening, and was immediately (the next day) able to utilize her tools with a client. And, I was a hero! Her package is superb and moves (even the most sophisticated) into deep dialogue. -- Beverly Kaye, President, Career Systems International, Inc.,

Diversity Breakthrough! makes diversity a topic that is at last approachable for everyone-an opportunity to learn and grow. It makes you want to get involved. -- Debby McIsaac, Global People Development Manager, Hewlett-Packard Consulting, Letter to Publisher, November 1999

Hard hitting, pragmatic approaches, supported by well selected stories, all reinforcing the Perpetual Cycle of Action model that Kennedy has built. Diversity Breakthrough! is truly a treasure of yet undiscovered proportions. Sharp. Pragmatic. Immediately useful, forever valuable. -- Lane Michel, Partner, Director of Western Region Peppers and Rogers Group, Marketing 1 to 1, Inc., Letter to Publisher, October 1999

Once in a great while, someone comes up with a truly unique approach to human relationships. Debbe Kennedy is that someone. Her approach to diversity is the most innovative, insightful, practical, helpful set of concepts and tools I've seen in a very long time. Diversity Breakthrough is destined to become a 'classic. -- Barbara "BJ" Hateley, Co-Author, Peacock in the Land of Penguins:A Tale of Diversity and Discovery; Letter to Publisher, October 1999

The topic of diversity has been an ongoing challenge to every element of modern society. Debbe Kennedy has taken on this challenge and produced, with her new book series, a process which, I think, does the best job of generating action and growth toward understanding diversity and utilizing its extraordinary advantages. Particularly important is the powerful and novel set of activities and exercises that draws in everyone and enables them to climb to a new plateau of understanding and commitment. -- Joel A. Barker, Futurist and Author Discovering the Future: The Business of Paradigms; Letter to Publisher, November 1999

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Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers; 1st edition (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583760512
• ISBN-13: 978-1583760512
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,024,579 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Diversity Breakthrough! Strategic Action Series, January 18, 2000

By	Mary Hrize (California) - See all my reviews

I read numerous business books throughout the year in an effort to remain enthusiastic, fresh and eager to face each new opportunity. I was delighted to find this jewel among the many tedious and mundane books that say the same thing with a few new quips here and there. This series presents ways to create renewal not only in my personal approach to my customers but gives me morsels to present TO my customers to use within their own organizations. So far, three of them have signed on to Amazon to check out the series previews!

Many of my customers are looking for ways to just stay interested and motivated as they begin each new year feeling stuck in the same job. By sharing something new from this series (a little plagiarism on my part) I bring something new to the party, I create new value with my customers!

I am grateful for this new approach. And because this material is so interesting and fresh , I have that much more to contribute to my work, to my peers and to my company.

Great work -- please keep it coming!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Diversity Breakthrough!-Action Series, January 28, 2000

By	Jerold V. Tucker (Arizona) - See all my reviews

A well developed, expertly written action guide for use by an individual or team of individuals who are serious about addressing diversity. The material is easy to use, direct and very helpful in pin-pointing what I can do to improve my approach to diversity. This is a must use for anyone in public or private organizations who want to seriously address the issue of diversity!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Diversity Breakthrough Strategic Action Series by D Kennedy, January 27, 2000

By A Customer

Excellant series! A GREAT find! The many strategy ideas and suggestions guide the reader from assessment through the action planning process! The provided Action Planning Worksheets assist the reader in taking immediate steps and in benchmarking.