Companies waste employee potential due to exclusionary practices, authors say
- New book shows how organizations can develop all employees to maximum capability -

There is an enormous amount of wasted potential within organizations today. Many do not adequately tap in to the wealth of human capital available to them. Despite this waste, many believe that they are meritocracies, where those who succeed are indeed the most capable..

Authors Michael Hyter and Judith Turnock say this myth is masking a very real situation of unequal opportunity that exists in many firms.

Their new book, The Power of Inclusion (Wiley / December 2005), makes a business case for an inclusive model of human resource development, driven by the demands of increasingly diverse workplaces and continuing expansion of the global economy. It demonstrates that the people who succeed often have acquired their talent precisely because of the development attention they received.

Exclusionary tendencies are built into leadership, management, and human resources practices. Most companies “sort and select,” hiring others most like themselves, and focusing training and development on those who they have identified as high potential. Hyter and Turnock show how to revamp these practices to create a culture of inclusion and development that unlocks the potential and productivity of all employees. Using case studies from BellSouth, Frito Lay, and Procter & Gamble, the authors present a clear approach for managing inclusion.

The Power of Inclusion:

• Makes a case for a new business paradigm that reflects the demands of diverse workplaces
• Shows how to foster a culture of inclusion to unlock employee potential
• Provides a solution to the current business reality of wasted talent and lost productivity
• Details the roles of senior leaders and HR managers
• Discusses coaching and mentoring strategies
• Demonstrates how to establish goals and measure progress

The patterns of exclusion and preference that limit human potential are universal. This book offers management insights for any corporate audience serious about maximizing productivity in the competitive global economy.

About the Authors

Michael C. Hyter is President and COO of Novations, Inc. a human capital training and consulting firm providing solutions to increase the capacity of individuals and organizations worldwide. He was most recently President and CEO for Novations/J. Howard & Associates, a division within the Boston-based Novations, Inc. that specializes in diversity and inclusion consulting. Hyter’s work with executive leaders in Fortune 1000 companies has resulted in organization-wide diversity and development initiatives that have enhanced the business objectives with those companies.

Hyter has published articles in Inc. magazine, the Handbook of Business Strategy, Director’s Monthly, and Profiles in Diversity Journal, and speaks widely on the topics of development and diversity to groups such as Linkage Inc., the Conference Board, the Minority Corporate Council Association, Executive Leadership Council, and American Society for Training & Development.

Judith L. Turnock is an attorney, an experienced executive coach, and an inclusion expert. She is the founder and president of Hunter Management Group (HMG).and is a frequent speaker at conferences and seminars on personal development as well as diversity and inclusion. She has published articles in Forbes and Diversity and the Bar, and is the co-author of Cracking the Corporate Code: The Revealing Success Stories of 32 African-American Executives.

Praise for The Power of Inclusion:

“Diversity and inclusion are among the most challenging tasks an executive is faced with these days. This book does a great job of helping the reader understand why this is important and what to do about it. “ – Bart Butzer / Executive Vice President for Stores / Target Corporation

“The Power of Inclusion brings much-needed transparency: the lack of full inclusion or full human capital engagement is a direct drain on shareholder value.” – Ronald C. Parker / Senior Vice President, Human Resources / PepsiCo North America

“Finally, here is a book on implementing organizational diversity strategy that is practical and action oriented rather than abstract theorizing. It is a must-read for any CEO or general manager who wants to address diversity and inclusion in a strategic and sustainable manner.” – David A. Thomas / H. Naylor Fitzhugh Professor of Business Administration and Senior Associate Dean / Harvard Business School

The Power of Inclusion in a nutshell:

• New business paradigm: Advocates a culture of inclusion and development that unlocks every employee’s potential, and provides a solution to the current business reality of wasted talent and lost productivity.

• Comprehensive coverage: Includes the business imperative and the business case for inclusion; managing inclusion and overcoming barriers to inclusive development; the role of senior leaders and of HR; coaching and mentoring employees; establishing goals and accountability; and measuring progress.

• Practical advice: Presents a pragmatic approach along with clear advice for implementing it. Features case studies from companies such as Bell South, BP, Frito Lay, Kraft Foods, Procter & Gamble, South Africa Telekom, State Street, and Target Stores.

• Author platform: The authors are consultants to some of North America’s best-known organizations, and write and speak frequently on the topic of inclusion in the workplace.

For more information about The Power of Inclusion, please contact
Pat FitzGerald at 617.787.2163 — pfitzgerald@novations.com
Erin Kelly at 416.646.4582 — ekelly@wiley.com