How to Work With and Lead People Not Like You: Practical Solutions for Today's Diverse Workplace

by Kelly McDonald

If you're in a diverse team, you know employee differences can cause miscommunication, lower trust, and hurt productivity. . . It doesn't have to be this way! The people you work with may be from a different generation, different culture, different race, different gender, or just a different philosophy toward work and life in general, but you need to work together toward a common goal. How to Work With and Lead People Not Like You explains how to dial down the differences, smooth out the friction, and play upon each other's strengths to become more effective, more productive, and less stressed. The keys are to find the common ground and identify hidden conflicts that are hurting productivity.

Many people shudder at the prospect of working with diverse groups of people, but they can't voice their fear or anxiety. At work, it's not OK or politically correct to say, 'I'm uncomfortable with this person.' In fact, if you do say something along those lines, your job may be at risk. Your company may terminate you for not being on the 'diversity bandwagon.' So you keep quiet and you keep your thoughts to yourself. But deep down, you are uncomfortable.

If you feel like this, it doesn't mean you're racist, sexist, ageist, homophobic, or any other negative label. It means you're struggling.

You're struggling to understand people, cultures, or values that are unfamiliar to you. You're struggling to do your job with teammates and coworkers who may have very different viewpoints or different approaches to communication than you have. You're struggling to overcome differences and pull together to achieve high performance at work.

Whether you're leading a diverse team, working in a challenging cross-cultural environment, or simply working with people who are 'not like you, ' you need to be able to get along with everyone as a team, to get the work done. This book explains the skills you need to communicate, motivate, and inspire people to collaborate--even if they have very different values, lifestyles, or priorities.

Learn key steps that bring cohesion to diversity How to have a constructive conversation about working alongside people who are different The four magic words that make this easier and smooth over friction What not to say--and why Learn to set aside differences and get things done Learn how to handle a racist, sexist, homophobic or offensive remark in a professional way Retain your sanity when colleagues drive you crazy The changing demographics of today's workforce bring conflicting viewpoints, perspectives, approaches, skills, habits, and personalities together in one place; whether that leads to synergy or catastrophe is up to you. How to Work With and Lead People Not Like You helps you turn a hurdle into an advantage so you or your team can do more, achieve more, and enjoy the ride.

Genres: Nonfiction, Leadership

160 pages, Hardcover

Published August 14, 2017

Reviews

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book at the urging of my boss (as we are implementing an D&I initiative and committee).
• This book provides great guidance and ways to start processes or engage in communication regarding diversity and inclusion; however, much of the examples and expected responses assume that the other side will act rationally, be open-minded, and appreciate your efforts.
• I think that the book takes a slightly rosier-than-it-is approach to everything. It assumes your employees have the best interest of the company at heart and that everyone is this happy team that wants to make the dream work.

[Jessica Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic, and should be read by everyone working in today's business culture. I love Kelly's terminology of 'people not like you,' as opposed to diversity. Kelly is right when she says that people roll their eyes lately when hearing about "Diversity Initiatives." Diversity has to be ingrained in the culture of the company - it can't just be talked about at industry events and when outsiders are listening. Kelly emphasizes working with people from different backgrounds and people that are not like you.

Two key messages I got from Kelly is saying "I need help," as opposed to asking for help. It's much harder to say no to "I need help" than "Can you help me?" Additionally, Kelly shares the benefits of listening to understand someone else's perspective, as opposed to listening to respond. Go get this book now!

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for anyone looking for a common-sense discussion on diversity in the workplace.  Kelly gives real-life examples of issues surrounding diversity along with practical ways to overcome them.

The greatest part of this book is that Kelly makes the reader feel comfortable with the fact that they may be uncomfortable understanding diversity.  She shines a light on what diversity truly is and helps the reader understand why it is important to the success of the workplace.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book at a conference and enjoyed this quick read. The author made great points and suggested small, simple things that we can do to feel more confident working with those that are not like you. If you have your team read books together, I believe this one would be appreciated. I felt like it may have been redundant a few times but overall it was a good read.

[Abby Epplett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This quick read is a decent overview of DEIA practices for those in the business world who may be unfamiliar with this new & improved way of working. McDonald's anecdotes are helpful illustrations of problems that may arise in the workplace. While the material inside is nothing groundbreaking or revolutionary, I'll give a few bonus points for a well-designed cover.

[Sarah Mansfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and clear. I appreciated the steps throughout and practical tips.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read, great points, ideas and examples. Everyone should read this book.

[Ryan Buchannan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly this book was offensive it was such common sense, everyone I have read excerpts to ask “when was this written?” It blows my mind it was written in 2017.

[Andrew Hall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Common sense stuff. Thoguh common sense is an oxymoron...