Loudest Duck

A business fable that explains why organizations need to move beyond the old-style diversity efforts to actually benefit from difference In todays modern workplaces with their many different types of people cultural and personal differences can be challenges-whether youre a team-member or a business leader. Different cultures teach different values and we carry those values throughout adulthood and into the office environment. Understanding the cultural and gender viewpoints of our colleagues is a major key to healthy conflict-free work environments. This fable takes its name from a Chinese childrens parable about how the loudest duck gets shot." Its a parable that contrasts with the American idiom "the squeaky wheel gets the grease." Comparing the two its clear that
different cultures teach different views and those views often translate into distinct ways of doing business. In todays global business world understanding each other-where we come from and what were taught-is more important than ever.* A business fable that points out how the old way of approaching diversity will never work showing us how to understand and navigate the cultural and gender differences that cause conflict in the office* Perfect for managers and executives faced with leadership challenges in a heterogeneous workforce and who want to make sure their organization is a true meritocracy and a level playing field for everyone* Ideal for anyone at any level who wants more tools in their toolbox to get ahead in business in a global business culture Doing business today takes
understanding and cultural intelligence. The Loudest Duck uses an entertaining story to share important lessons about why diversity efforts are bound to fail unless we really understand how we unconsciously respond to difference and how to move to beyond it. Praise for The Loudest Duck "Laura Liswood has both great theoretical and practical understanding of diversity-why it is important in organizations and why attempts to create it often fail to deliver. The Loudest Duck is essential reading for anyone who wants to maximize the effectiveness of organizations or just wants to understand why things are the way they are." -Rt. Hon. Kim Campbell Canadas 19th and first female Prime Minister "Diversity is a popular buzzword but too many organizations treat it as window dressing.
Laura Liswood explains how successful leaders learn to value diversity for the advantages it brings. This book is clearly written savvy and wise." -Joseph S. Nye Jr. University Distinguished Service Professor at Harvard University; Author of The Powers to Lead "The Loudest Duck is a must read for managers and leaders of multinational corporations and international organizations. It provides an insightful look and fresh approach to cultural and gender differences that must be better understood for a more effective workplace." -Ann M. Veneman Executive Director UNICEF "Laura Liswood brilliantly shows us how to get to Diversity 2.0 and beyond. A workplace of people from different backgrounds can lead to tensions but this book shows with great insights and examples how it
can lead to real creativity instead. Its an indispensable guide for managers and leaders-and also for anyone who wants to succeed in any aspect of life." -Walter Isaacson President and Chief Executive Officer The Aspen Institute "Lauras timing is perfect and her message is spot on. Embracing diversity creates competitive advantage. Her book should be mandatory reading for everyone in business today. In the most engaging fun and real way Laura gets to the heart of the opportunity-enabling Noahs diverse floating Ark to fly to the moon and beyond." -Beth Brooke Global Vice Chair of Public Policy Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement Ernst & Young "Globalized businesses are increasingly aware that diversity belongs in the boardroom not the public relations
department so The Loudest Duck is beautifully timed. Liswo"