Birds of All Feathers

About the Author

Michael Bach is a distinguished figure in the realm of diversity and inclusion. He is the founder and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), a prominent organization dedicated to promoting and fostering diversity and inclusion in workplaces across Canada. Bach’s extensive experience in this field has made him a sought-after speaker, consultant, and advocate, bringing about significant changes in corporate and organizational cultures. His dedication to creating inclusive environments is not only evident in his professional work but also in his authorship, where he shares his insights and strategies to help others achieve similar goals.

Main Idea

"Birds of All Feathers: Doing Diversity and Inclusion Right" is a compelling call to action for organizations and individuals to embrace and implement effective diversity and inclusion (D&I) strategies. Michael Bach emphasizes that diversity and inclusion are not just ethical imperatives but also smart business decisions that drive innovation, creativity, and overall success. The book provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and executing D&I initiatives, from crafting policies to measuring success, ensuring that workplaces are safe and inclusive for everyone.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. D&I Defined
3. The Models of Diversity and Inclusion
4. The Business Case
5. The Right Way to Do Diversity
6. Inclusion Over Diversity (aka Talent Retention)
7. Attracting Difference
8. Developing Your People
9. Measurement for Success
10. The Key Ingredients
11. From the Leading Edge to the Bleeding Edge
12. Privilege
13. Overcoming Diversity Fatigue
14. What Gets in the Way?
15. Conclusion

Introduction

The concept of diversity and inclusion (D&I) has gained significant traction in recent years, evolving from buzzwords into essential elements of organizational success. In "Birds of All Feathers," Michael Bach sets out to demystify these concepts, making them accessible and actionable for businesses and individuals alike. He begins by addressing the fundamental question: Why should we care about diversity and inclusion? Bach eloquently argues that embracing D&I is not only the right thing to do but also the smart thing to do, as it can lead to enhanced innovation, creativity, and ultimately, a stronger bottom line.

“A book isn’t going to end racism or inequity. But it can be a start.” - Michael Bach

This introductory assertion sets the tone for the book, highlighting the importance of taking the first steps toward a more inclusive society. Bach’s pragmatic approach is designed to empower readers to initiate meaningful change within their own spheres of influence.

D&I Defined

In this chapter, Bach delves into the terminology surrounding diversity and inclusion. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these terms to effectively communicate and implement D&I strategies. Key terms defined include:

• Diversity - The presence of differences within a given setting, encompassing race, gender, age, and more.
• Inclusion - The practice of ensuring that diverse individuals feel valued and integrated within a group or organization.
• Equity vs. Equality - Equity involves providing varying levels of support based on individual needs to achieve fairness, whereas equality means treating everyone the same.

“Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.” - Michael Bach

This quote beautifully encapsulates the difference between diversity and inclusion, illustrating that it is not enough to have a diverse group of people if they do not feel included and valued.