Reconstructing Dei - by Lily Zheng (Paperback)

About the Book

"Practical workbook companion to the bestselling DEI Deconstructed, the definitive comprehensive and foundational text for critically analyzing and applying actionable DEI techniques and strategies, written by one of LinkedIn's most popular experts on DEI. The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace cannot be understated. But when half-baked and under-developed strategies are implemented, they often do more harm than good, leading the very constituents they aim to support to dismiss DEI entirely"--

Book Synopsis

Author of the bestselling DEI Deconstructed returns with a companion workbook filled with practical and actionable techniques for changemakers at all stages of their DEI journey.

The next step in your DEI journey starts here. Building on the knowledge base of DEI Deconstructed, Lily Zheng offers a workbook with 40 original exercises, worksheets, and other tools to help guide you and your organization toward more substantive and lasting DEI outcomes. Whether you're a new or veteran DEI practitioner looking to improve your practice, a leader looking to grow your leadership skills, or an advocate looking to play more powerful roles in movements, this book will give you the practical tools to do just that.

From self-work to organizational change, this workbook will upskill you with the core competencies required for impactful DEI work, such as - diagnosing inequity, working with constituents, building movements, creating psychological safety, stewarding inclusive cultures, resolving conflict and harm, and achieving systems change. Most importantly, it will give you valuable experience putting these skills into action. Each activity can stand on its own and is designed to stimulate valuable reflection and practice. Included are recommendations for targeted exercise roadmaps to supplement your learning journey. Taken all together, these exercises are a complete masterclass in any practitioner's DEI education

Review Quotes

"Look no further than Lily Zheng's Reconstructing DEI to get to the heart of transformational action. To move from good intentions to long-lasting change. To go from deconstructing exclusionary workplaces to reconstructing cultures of belonging. Everyone needs this book!"
--Ruchika Tulshyan, bestselling author of Inclusion on Purpose

"Jam-packed with tactics and tools, Reconstructing DEI is the single-source field guide to implementing evidence-based DEI practices in any organization. Lily Zheng masterfully assembles the salient elements of DEI work for anyone serious about creating a more equitable workplace--including senior leaders, practitioners, middle managers, and employee resource groups--so they can overcome common hurdles and achieve early wins."
--David G. Smith, PhD and W. Brad Johnson, PhD, coauthors of Good Guys and Athena Rising

"Reconstructing DEI is a comprehensive, no-nonsense workbook for impacting change. It's a step-by-step guide on making organizational DEI goals a reality, without losing yourself in the process. Much like its companion book, Reconstructing DEI is a must-have guide and reference."
--Alexis Robertson, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Foley & Lardner LLP

"Reconstructing DEI is the book I wish I had ten years ago and last week all at the same time. Zheng breaks down a dizzying array of the fundamental skills and modes of analysis that determine success in DEI in a way that's clear and approachable. It should be required reading for all advocates and practitioners."
--Aubrey Blanche, CEO, The Mathpath, and Senior Director of People Operations, CultureAmp

"Reconstructing DEI is an essential guide for those committed to building equitable organizations. Zheng, with their usual deep wisdom and sharp insights, walks us through how to develop the skills and self-awareness we need to get the important work done."
--Amy Gallo, author of Getting Along

About the Author

Lily Zheng (they/them) is a sought-after Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion speaker, strategist, and organizational consultant who specializes in hands-on systemic change to turn positive intentions into positive outcomes for workplaces and everyone in them. A dedicated change-maker and advocate named a Forbes D&I Trailblazer, 2021 DEI Influencer, and LinkedIn Top Voice on Racial Equity, Lily's work has been featured in the Harvard Business Review, New York Times, and NPR. They are the author of Gender Ambiguity in the Workplace (2017), The Ethical Sellout (2019), and most recently, DEI Deconstructed (2022).