Action Dialogues: Meaningful Conversations to Accelerate Change (Diversity Breakthrough! Strategic Action Series) (Advances in Developing Human Resources)

Amazon.com

Meant to be used optimally as a part of Debbe Kennedy's Diversity Breakthrough! Strategic Action series, this is a simple pack of 52 glossy cards, each isolating specific roadblocks that organizations commonly face when looking to launch a diversity initiative. The first, for example, reads, "Our leadership team does not reflect our stated commitment to inclusion." Another reads, "Resistance to change keeps diversity out of reach."

Grouped into seven areas--leadership, culture, involvement, the business, strategies and measures, staffing, and ownership--they can be passed out in groups of any size to allow participants to literally "put their cards on the table" about internal issues they'd rather not bring up aloud. (And, yes, they do come with a brief but useful user's guide with a foreword by the Drucker Foundation's Frances Hesselbein.) They're not only a brilliant icebreaker for this potent topic but a good first step toward isolating specific areas of strength and weakness within an organization when it comes to diversity.

The cards can be used alone or in conjunction with the six booklets in the Strategic Action 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." Each booklet comes with self-assessment tools, concrete action strategies to mobilize change, fun and quick action-planning worksheets, and firsthand accounts from leaders at an impressive variety of organizations, from big companies to small nonprofits, that explains how they met the challenge of walking-the-talk with diversity. Each concise, 64-page booklet is as adaptable to an organization-wide initiative or a small group effort as it is to a single individual's nighttime reading and enrichment (where organizational change, after all, often begins).

Managers, consultants, and trainers can use these Action Dialogue cards independently as an assessment tool before launching a diversity initiative or in conjunction with the Strategic Action booklets as add-ons. The cards are really the touchstone in a highly integrated program that demystifies diversity management and accords it the seriousness it deserves. --Timothy Murphy

Book Description

This boxed-for-travel set is a complete toolkit to help you conduct three distinctive "action dialogues" about diversity and inclusion in your organization whenever the need or opportunity arises. It comes with an inspiring and informative book with easy-to-follow, step-by-step processes you can learn in a few minutes. It also has its own innovative problem identification diagnostic card pack that will help you pinpoint and name issues and facilitate conversations around the often sensitive and tough issues associated with creating a diverse, inclusive environment. Issue themes cross seven key areas of organizational influence: Leadership, Culture, Involvement, The Business, Strategies and Measures, Staffing and Development and Ownership. The action dialogue framework guides you through an exploration of what is working, what is standing in the way and next steps to begin finding resolution. Designed for your own personal explorations and self-assessments, one-on-one conversations or small group dialogues. Action Dialogues is a ready-made tool to help foster manager/employee communications and understanding, acceptance and ownership for creating more welcoming workplaces, productive organizations, profitable businesses and healthier communities positioned to respond to the opportunities of the 21st Century. Two color format, over 60 illustrations to bring issues to life. Designed for anyone with the responsibility of setting an example and leading change in your organization.

Customer Reviews:

Fun tool that really gets people talking!.......2000-02-13

Great tool! The cards really work to help people talk about inclusivity and the issues that people don't want to say out loud in a group. I was surprised how fast people really got into it. The book has a very simple process to follow. Later, I used it myself and almost had fun figuring out what is wrong with our business environment.

So much more than a book!.......2000-02-08

Debbe Kennedy's newly released "Action Dialogues" is a BREAKTHROUGH in and of itself. I say this because I feel that Debbe has broken new ground and is helping to shape the future of how we will use books as tools, not just as repositories of ideas. It is so much more than a book. It is a Tool, Reference, a source of Inspiration and a Catalyst for change in organizations, not to mention that the process laid out is customizable, flexible, accessible, fun and action-oriented. The cards themselves are amazing - they convey the spirit of diversity and inclusion through their simple design and powerful use of graphics and quotes. The categories(leadership, culture, involvement, staffing & development, strategies & measures and business) listed on the bottom corner of each card let you perform a quick assessment of where the balance of your issues reside. My initial use of the tool confirmed my gut-feel --- and helped me craft the key message that I wanted to share with our leadership team. I was able to communicate what was working, what wasn't working and what we could do about it!

When I first opened the box and began working with the book and the companion card deck, I instantly felt empowered to take action. I have now used "Action Dialogues" to prepare for and execute a dialogue with a small group of leaders focused on a key culture change project. In addition to testing this powerful new tool in the corporate setting, I have also found it to be a great way to open conversations in both non-profit and public sector environments. In one instance, a particular card and the associated issu and quote really hit a nerve with a collegue who works for a city in Northern California. We used that one issue to build around it a focused dialogue session. There are no complex theories that need to be grasped or detailed preparation. If you have a issue that needs to be discussed and you have been putting it off because you don't feel comfortable facilitating the necessary dialogue - don't wait. Buy this book. It will take you by the hand and show you step by step how to be successful and get busy changing the world!

Let's Get to Work!.......2000-02-02

You don't need more meetings or brainstorming sessions to identify what needs to be done and what the issues are. Leaders of the future need to enable themselves and their teams to work successfully among people with differences. Debbe Kennedy has heard it all, collected the best ideas and solutions, and has prepared this easy to use and understand tool kit. It allows you to get to work, start talking and build a deeper understanding of people. Most managers and human resource professionals do not know how to tackle the subject of diversity and inclusion and let their own sensitivities and lack of knowledge and experience get in the way. The Action Dialogues will more than get you started and keep you talking and thinking and doing.

Debbe Kennedy continues producing tools that work!.......2000-01-24

I found this tool -- not just a book -- to be useful far beyond bringing diversity and leadership to the workplace. The structure is straightforward. The knowledge and process to unlock talent in my company got my interest. The results made me a believer. Leadership is demonstrated from a diversity of perspectives. Thank God for authors and leaders like Debbe Kennedy, Joel Barker and Francis Husselbein for cutting through the rhetoric and giving us real help.

Book Description

This powerful, practical how-to book offers proven techniques that enable women to experience the exhilaration and empowerment of expressing themselves in any situation - in a loving relationship, on the job, with friends and relatives, or in dealing with doctors, lawyers, contractors, and other service providers. Readers will learn to:

* Project confidence and high self-esteem
* Say no without guilt
* Speak up for their rights
* Get what they want on their own terms
* Gracefully stop put-down artists in their tracks
* Gain the respect and admiration of others
* Never leave anything important unsaid
* Help their children become confident, assertive communicators

Through example and encouragement, self-tests and exercises, role-playing, positive imagery techniques, and mental rehearsal, "Did You Say Something, Susan?" offers women a variety of strategies and services. It serves as coach and counselor, and gives advice that will help women make immediate and long-term changes in their lives.

Customer Reviews:

A little simplistic..........2002-07-14

I did like this book, and I could see reccommending it to clients I counsel. The activities and exercises are great. Her writing style is easy to read and the book is well laid out. She covers pretty much all the important issues with a fair amount of detail and great examples.

So why the relatively low rating? Well, I did find the book oversimplified the problems of unassertiveness. I would've liked an entire chapter just on the role of women in society and how that influences our potential unassertiveness. She just didn't go deeply enough for my liking as to the causes of unassertiveness. For a person with real, long term problems speaking up for themselves this book wouldn't be enough either. I had a real issue with the way the author seemed to suggest that all you had to do was read the book and follow her program and you could become assertive. For many it isn't that easy.

A wonderful guide on assertiveness training for women.......2001-08-04

Dr. Paulette Dale is a workshop leader and consultant on assertive communication and the author of five textbooks and numerous articles on the subject.

This 196-page book has no index, but it does have a list of references and multiple useful appendices. It covers the following topics: (1) how to be unappealing to users and abusers; (2) using assertive speech and body language; (3) preparing for confrontation; (4) learning how to say no; (5) buying time before responding in a difficult situation; (6) speaking up for yourself and telling someone when their behavior is not acceptable to you; (7) refusing to put up with put downs; (8) speaking up on the job; (9) raising assertive children.

Dr. Dale writes in a clear and friendly style which makes it a pleasant task to learn her lessons on how to communicate what you really feel, say no and mean it, speak up for your rights, get what you need on your terms, become confident and articulate, and gain the respect of others.

Assertiveness is a very important aspect of self-defense (a multi-layered set of skills I strongly believe every woman should know). This book teaches the first two of five levels of self-defense: establish a strong physical presence, and verbal deterrence. (The other levels are: soft-handed defense, deterrence through physical pain which causes no lasting harm; hard-handed defense, physical strikes which can cause injury but rarely death; and deadly force, physical kicks or blows, or the use of weapons such as guns, which can kill the assailant, and are commonly employed by martial artists, law enforcement officers, and military personnel.)

I highly recommend this book to women of all ages, especially young women, who can avoid a lifetime of unnecessary suffering by using this vital information to keep themselves safe and sane.

Excellent book for women on speaking up for themselves.......2000-04-02

I would recommend this book to anyone working on increasing their assertiveness skills. Her chapter on saying No - using ways to buy time and saying no directly are particularly great examples of skill building. I refer my coaching clients to this book and mention her examples in my newsletters and on my web page.

A great reference guide that can be used over and over again.......1999-03-24

I started to use the techniques described in the book straightaway. I have managed to be in control of situations that normally I would have blamed myself for, my confidence and self esteem rises everyday. Thank you

A Terrific Motivator!.......1999-01-10

Dr.Dale has written a much needed book. I'm a fairly assertive and confident person, but this book made me realize that I could still be much more effective when communicating with others. Dr. Dale uses wonderful examples to clarify her points which explain her advice and suggestions perfectly. This book is hard to put down as it is so entertaining and interesting to read.

Did You Say Something, Susan?: How Any Woman Can Gain Confidence With Assertive Communication

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Did You Say Something, Susan?: How Any Woman Can Gain Confidence With Assertive Communication

Manufacturer: Citadel Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HKQEIA

Book Description

This new almanac will be your ready-reference guide to the E-Commerce & Internet Business worldwide! In one carefully-researched volume, you'll get all of the data you need on E-Commerce & Internet Industries, including: complete E-Commerce statistics and trends; Internet research and development; Internet growth companies; online services and markets; bricks & clicks and other online retailing strategies; emerging e-commerce technologies; Internet and World Wide Web usage trends; PLUS, in-depth profiles of the "E-Commerce & Internet 400," our own unique list of companies that are the leaders in this field. Here you'll find complete profiles of the hot companies that are making news today, the 400 largest, most successful corporations in all facets of the E-Commerce Business, from online retailers, to manufacturers of software and equipment for Internet communications, to Internet services providers and much more. Our corporate profiles include executive contacts, growth plans, financial records, address, phone, fax, competitive advantage and much more. This innovative book offers unique information, all indexed and cross-indexed. Our industry analysis section covers business to consumer, business to business, online financial services, and technologies as well as Internet access and usage trends. The book includes 19 statistical tables covering such topics as e-commerce revenues, ISP subscribers, global Internet users, annual growth in B to C sales, etc. Purchasers of either the book or PDF version can receive a free copy of the company profiles database on CD-ROM, enabling key word search and export of key information, addresses, phone numbers and executive names with titles for every company profiled. 513 pages.

Book Description

Why would anyone want to work in a war zone? The most common reason is money - and there is a lot of it to be made in a war zone. Whether they are paid in dollars, marks or dinars, war-zone workers often make 10 times what they would back home, and quite a few make in one year what it would take them 20 to earn back home. And the earnings may be tax free if you follow the rules outlined in this book. Others choose to work in war zones because of the travel. Not only are expenses to and from the war zone covered, but workers frequently take breaks in nearby vacation spots for almost nothing. It's the challenge of performing in a combat zone that draws some to this work, and not a day goes by that some part of you is not challenged in a war-torn area. Your motivation may be more noble: you want to help people. In a war zone you can touch the lives of so many people with just a little effort and compassion. Whatever your motivation, if you are looking for an exciting new job or personal challenge, Working in a War Zone is for you. Written by a veteran war-zone worker, this entertaining guide is crammed with practical advice on finding jobs, negotiating compensation, locating safe shelter, managing your finances and everything else you need to know to not only survive but prosper in a war zone.

Customer Reviews:

really bad.......2005-07-08

VERY poorly written. This book has almost no information that shouldn't be common-sense to a person that has even a basic understanding of the hazards with these types of accounts. If you're seriously looking for more information about this topic, look elsewhere.

Good read.......2004-05-02

Let me just first say that I haven't actually been to a war zone, I don't know how well things written in this book would apply to the real world. Which means I'm relying on my common sense when writing this review, which you don't have to trust :)

Although it's in my opinion somewhat short, the things the author writes about in this book, like how to get hired, what to buy before leaving, how to avoid trouble, how to get back home alive, are all very interesting. The book is very easy to read, you don't need an advanced knowledge of the english language to understand it, and explains things as simple as possible without leaving out information.

I enjoyed reading this book, even if you're not planning on getting anywhere near these places, it's still an interesting read. And I would strongly recommend reading the book if you for any reason plan on traveling to countries that isn't known for their ability to uphold law and order.

If you actually plan on going to a war zone, you should probably pick up more books than just this one, something the author also states. This is however a good place to start reading about this type of work.

The reason I'm only giving the book 4 stars is because I feel it maybe should've covered more stuff, but what's there is very good.

Average customer rating:

Steiner's Complete How-to-talk Mortgage Talk

Inside information on geting a mortgage

Steiner's Complete How-To-Talk Mortgage Talk
Clyde Steiner , and Shari Steiner
Manufacturer: Independent Information Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Real Estate | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Investments | Real Estate | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Mortgages | Real Estate | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Personal Finance | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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Mortgage Encyclopedia: An Authoritative Guide to Mortgage Programs, Practices, Prices and Pitfalls

So You Want to Be a Mortgage Broker

Guerrilla Marketing for Mortgage Brokers: How to Steal Customers From Your Competition

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Success as a Mortgage Broker (Complete Idiot's Guide to)

The Loan Officer's Practical Guide to Residential Finance

ASIN: 0913733121

Book Description

This authoritative guide shows you how to comparative shop complex loan deals so that you can demand the best mortgage for your family.

Topics include:
• How to evaluate your loan needs
• What to look out for when a loan agent asks for your information
• Translations of all loan officer jargon to help you avoid misunderstandings and financial commitment traps.

Customer Reviews:

Steiner's Complete How-to-talk Mortgage Talk.......2007-03-13

This book is very basic and may be good for the first time homebuyers. As a mortgage professional, I was looking for something to help with my corporate training material for new associates. I continue this search.

Inside information on geting a mortgage.......1998-08-24

Mortgage Insider Information

Whether you need a mortgage to buy a home or are refinancing your current home loan, this new book provides insight on some of the mortgage industry's dirty little secrets.

Authors Clyde and Shari Steiner, who have written this book for the borrower's (not lender's) benefit, explain key mortgage terms and procedures in everyday English.

For instance, the authors explain computerized loan origination, the mysterious FICO borrower rating system, and why even the biggest mortgage lenders sometimes can't deliver loan terms they promise.

The best part of the book is the practical advice, written by authors who have obtained 12 home mortgages. For example, the Steiners recommend applying with two lenders at the same time if closing the loan on schedule is critical.

The message "don't trust lenders" to deliver on their promises comes through loud and clear. Another bit of practical advice is to treat the loan advisor as someone working primarily for the lender, no matter how nice that person might seem.

The book's highlight is the section on individual nationwide mortgage source sites and 800 numbers. It lists virtually all major Internet sites for home mortgage information and making online loan applications to earn discounts. The Steiners rate each mortgage Web site too.

The appendix contains the National Money$ource Director, Loan Evaluation Checklists, Loan Amount Charts, Loan to Value Worksheets, Refinance Evaluator and Where To Get Credit Reports.

Much of the insider information is available nowhere else.

--From Review by Robert Bruss - Chicago Tribune Syndicate

Book Description

Marketing Strategy provides a unique introduction to marketing strategy development. Adding future studies methodology to traditional methods of environmental analysis, this book presents an effective marketing approach for dealing with the increasingly dynamic business environment. Environmental analysis is a key element of strategy development. However, methods of environmental analysis typically cover the short and medium term only. Paradoxically, the fast-changing business environment of today requires a longer planning horizon. While covering more traditional methods of environmental analysis, for example, scanning and market research, Marketing Strategy introduces future studies methodology and shows how its powerful techniques and insights can be applied to marketing planning and strategy. The first part of the book explains the different techniques of environmental analysis and long-range forecasting, and examines their relationship to marketing and strategy. The second half demonstrates their application to the marketing planning process, leading to the development of so-called robust strategies. A range of "generic" robust strategies, i.e. key marketing strategies for long-term business survival and success, such as branding and relationship management, conclude the book. As an accessible and comprehensive coverage of marketing strategy development, Marketing Strategy will be invaluable for advanced students, academics, and professionals in marketing planning and strategy, strategic marketing, and corporate strategy.

Customer Reviews:

A book, one of very few, really about long-range strategy........1998-07-03

The title of this book is misleading, it was to be called Long-Range Marketing. In fact it is about the increasingly popular subject of long-range planning and strategy - albeit that it comes at this from the marketing perspective. It's importance is that - for the first time - it describes ways of incorporating the longer-term into the planning of most companies; where previously it has been the province of the larger ones (such as Shell, who worked with the author). The new approaches can provide reasonable input in less than a day. In this way it very effectively addresses the problem of short-termism which bedevils so many organisations.

Book Description

This Country Commercial Guide (CCG) presents a comprehensive look at Hong Kong's commercial environment using economic, political and market analyses. The CCGs were established by recommendation of the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC), a multi-agency task force, to consolidate various reporting documents prepared for the U.S. business community. Country Commercial Guides are prepared annually at U.S. embassies and consulates through the combined efforts of several U.S. Government agencies.

After a very painful recession brought about by the financial and economic crisis that affected the entire Asian region, Hong Kong's economy began to recover in the second quarter of 1999, and the recovery has continued to strengthen. Unemployment stood at a very high 6.2% for 1999, but has now fallen to 5.5%. GDP rose by 3% in 1999, after contracting by 5.1% in 1998, and grew by a very impressive 14.3% in the first quarter of 2000. Some economists are now calling for 10% real GDP growth for full-year 2000.

The stock market, after losing over 60% of its value from its peak in August 1997 to its nadir in August 1998, has recovered to pre-crisis levels. Inbound tourist arrivals, a key economic driver for the Hong Kong economy, have also recovered strongly, growing 11.5% in 1999, and by 15% through the first four months of 2000. Property prices, which also fell sharply during the crisis, have now stabilized. For office space in the prime “Central” business district, prices are currently 30-40% lower than at their peak in 1997.

According to U.S. Government statistics, U.S. exports to Hong Kong totaled US$12.6 billion in 1999, and two-way trade totaled US$23.2 billion, making Hong Kong the United States' thirteenth largest trading partner. US exports to Hong Kong in the first quarter of 2000 were up 5.5% over the year-earlier period.

The keys to Hong Kong's economic success -- its free-market philosophy, entrepreneurial drive, absence of trade barriers, well-established rule of law, low and predictable taxes, transparent regulations, and complete freedom of capital movement -- remain as strong as ever. And Hong Kong's attractiveness as a profitable commercial and financial center have been enhanced as the high cost of doing business, largely stemming from rising property and labor costs, has come down considerably because of the economic crisis. The rise in unemployment has eased wage pressure and dampened the high turnover that most companies faced here in the past, as a result of the extremely low unemployment rates that had prevailed traditionally (2.2% in 1997).

There are over 1,100 U.S. businesses represented in Hong Kong -- including over 400 regional operations -- and over 50,000 American citizens reside in Hong Kong. According to preliminary U.S. Government statistics, U.S. direct investment in Hong Kong totaled almost US$24 billion at year-end 1999 (based on historical cost), making the United States one of Hong Kong's largest investors, along with the U.K., China and Japan.

Book Description

This text provides an accurate, balanced and readable history of Korea from 1909 to the present day. Key features of the book include:
*Comprehensive coverage of Korean History
*Analysis of important contemporary developments
*A comparative focus on both North and South Korea
*Korea is examined within a regional context
*A chronology and suggestions for further reading
This book is an invaluable one-volume resource for all students of modern Korean history.

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The Making of Modern Korea
Yushin Yoo
Manufacturer: Golden Pond Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0942091035

The Making of Modern Korea (Asia's Transformations)

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The Making of Modern Korea (Asia's Transformations)
Adrian buzo
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Exports & Imports | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0415414822

Book Description

This fully updated second edition of The Making of Modern Korea provides a thorough, balanced and engaging history of Korea from 1910 to the present day. The text is unique in placing emphasis on Korea's regional and geographical context, through which Buzo analyses the influence of bigger and more powerful states on the peninsula of Korea.

Key features of the book include:

comprehensive coverage of Korean history
up-to-date analysis of important contemporary developments, including North Korea's controversial missile and nuclear tests
comparative focus on North and South Korea
Korea examined within its regional context
a detailed chronology and suggestions for further reading.

The Making of Modern Korea is a valuable one-volume resource for students of modern Korean history, international politics and Asian Studies.

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