“Listen In should be required reading for the all C-suite leaders and HR professionals,” - Jane C. Smith, President & Chief Results Officer of Next Level Consulting.“It is a must-read, and applicable not only to corporate settings but also to institutions of higher education and beyond.” - Dr. Anika Bissahoyo, Bowie State University."Readers will be entertained and feel empowered to have tough conversations that will greatly impact workplace relations.” - Dr. Courtney R. Cornick, Psychologist

Listen In: Crucial Conversations on Race in the Workplace

ABOUT THE BOOK

This is a ground-breaking combination of intriguing novel and business consulting that follows five African-American characters as they exchange personal experiences that happen behind the research, data and attempts at best practices. We also meet a curious CEO who overhears one of their conversations and blazes a trail to accelerate progress on the inclusion goals his company has been struggling with for years.
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The story provides insight on the:
  • experience behind the metrics and scorecards
  • issue of black hair and what being a ‘good fit’ means
  • contradiction of why height isn’t an advantage for Black males
  • words that make a difference in conversations
  • essential connection between #blacklivesmatter  #blackmoneymatters and #blacktalentmatters
Learn how to:
  • initiate conversations that build trust
  • navigate your company’s culture
  • plan your career for sustainable success
  • attract and retain minority talent
  • transform your organization’s culture

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

​ “Listen In should be required reading for all fortune 500 CEOs, HR executives, and federal government executives across the board.  As a retired senior Army officer and current top 30 independent public accounting firm executive, this book talks about a national conversation that is long overdue.  Engaging, powerful, and direct.  Every one of every race in the US will benefit.”
- Robert Cook, Colonel, US Army (Retired) / Principal, Kearney & Co.
​​“Allison’s writing is amazing. She had me in the first conversation and I just didn’t want to stop.  I became Jim, a 55-year old white guy with the great fortune of overhearing a conversation on hard truths and personal perspectives about unconscious bias and systems of practices. Finally, we have a more purpose-driven approach to D&I. Thank you, Allison. Now I must act.”
- Ron Meeks, Senior Partner, Pivot Leadership
​"Listen In is the source for addressing race in the workplace today.  The conversations are real and relevant and provide thought-provoking insights to anyone who is curious and courageous enough to read them. Allison has bridged the gap between 'corporate speak' and actually dealing with the everyday issues that exists for minorities in the workplace."  
- Cynthia Goins, Principal of Motivations

MINI EXCERPTS

  • This book includes all three elements: the pain of reckoning, the conflict of rumble and the risk of revolution. The discomfort is not my deliberate intention but I'm okay with it as an outcome. I am inspired by people like Stuart Scott who led ESPN through their initial discomfort with him to the impact he is credited for today. This book will immerse you in the characters’ journey to personal and professional fulfillment. More than any other outcome, my hope is that it inspires you to embark on a journey of your own.

  • Our culture and practice of tolerating (and in some cases promoting) a good ole boy network is eating our strategy of capitalizing on the business case for diversity. Every day all over the company decisions are being made from unconscious bias and people are afraid to call it out for fear of career suicide. Honestly, I am part of the problem because I don't go to HR with every example I see. Quite frankly, I wouldn't even be having this conversation if you hadn't approached me today.

  • When LaToya got home she poured another glass of wine and looked at her cell phone. She was emotionally spent and knew she needed more than wine. She wondered what was taking Shane so long. It had taken LaToya years to realize that the poker face often required at work did not serve her intimate relationships. What her man needed most was her trust in him that her vulnerability would not be betrayed. When they surrendered their weaknesses to each other, it gave them both power to be even stronger.

AFTERWORD BY HOWARD J. ROSS


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​"Allison Manswell has provided a thoughtful contribution to this challenge by giving us a way to conduct these conversations in a meaningful way.  She approaches the issue with sensitivity and balance. While providing examples of how people in non-dominant racial groups can find ways to deal with the dominant community more effectively, she has not fallen into the trap of encouraging people to Lean In, and act more like the dominant group. While offering ways that members of the dominant group can learn to be more engaged and honest in these conversations, she has not laden people with guilt or judgment. She has, in fact, created an opportunity for authentic human conversation. What a gift!"

Howard J. Ross is one of the nation’s leading diversity consultants and a nationally recognized expert on diversity, leadership, and organizational change. He is the author of Everyday Bias: Identifying and Navigating Unconscious Judgments in Our Daily Lives (Rowman & Littlefield, 2014) and ReInventing Diversity: Transforming Organizational Community to Strengthen People, Purpose, and Performance (Rowman &  Littlefield, 2011). Howard received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland and pursued postgraduate studies in administration, management, and organizational development at Wheelock College in Boston. He can be heard on NPR as a regular guest on the Kojo Nnamdi Show.
For more info: http://cookross.com/about-us/our-team/howard 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

"The conversations we aren't having are costing us trust, collaboration and innovation. It is time to break the silence and move forward." 
Author Allison Manswell, MBA, CPLP combines her expertise in organizational, employee and leadership development with personal experiences over 24 years working in corporate and government settings. In addition to captivating dialogue, Allison includes a template for individual career planning and thought starters for organizations ready to tackle the issue of talent management for people of color. 
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This is a must-have guide for individuals looking to grow their career and organizations ready to transform their culture around the issue of leveraging all of their talent. Employee resource groups, book clubs and executive teams are going to want to make this required reading and use the insight provided to help move them to solutions.

Allison Manswell is a dynamic life coach, gifted motivational speaker and author. Her professional expertise and intuition come together to transform people's lives and nourish their souls. Her success has been in helping clients to achieve their goals and find peace in their lives.

She is the author of Finding My Peace: Empowering Poetic Essays from the Soul and The Champions Ride: Success Skills for Children & Teens from an SUV and Listen In: Crucial Conversations on Race in the Workplace.
Follow @AllisonManswell
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