Author: Laura Liswood
Published: 2009, read on Apple iBooks 2023
The Loudest Duck explores workplace dynamics and provides the case for proactive inclusion strategies by all corporate managers and leaders. It is a compelling argument (& roadmap) for harnessing difference for better outcomes. Read this book to remind yourself that Diversity Equity and Inclusion is more than quotas.
The Loudest Duck is designed for corporate leaders and managers. It aims to demonstrate how diversity in the workforce should be encouraged and cultivated for improved business outcomes. Laura Liswood is currently the Secretary General, Council of Women World Leaders, and an international, award-winning speaker on the topics of leadership, diversity, women in politics, and business. Previously, during the authorship of this book, she was a Senior Adviser and ultimately Managing Director at Goldman Sachs.
This book was written before “Diversity” was “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” and consequently it argues that in order to reap the benefits of diversity, organisations need to have more than a “Noah’s Ark” approach - that is the collection of difference - and embrace a conscious awareness of difference. This intent was clear throughout the book, and the multiple anecdotes as the book progressed leaves the reader in no doubt as to the purpose of the book. The Loudest Duck was recommended to me as the argument for “Inclusion” beyond “Diversity” and it met my expectations.
Liswood’s argument is supported by research and personal experience recounted appropriately in support of each chapter. The book culminates in a series of recommended actions to assist the reader in translating the insights of the book into practice. Research is referred to within the body of the book, and references provided at the end but without citation, which makes it difficult to trace the assertions - however the references provided are substantial. Reading in 2023, the argument for Inclusion is well established, and thus I didn’t find the book controversial or groundbreaking, rather supporting what I have experienced. Not withstanding its age, I found myself highlighting a number of passages or insights for personal reflection.
The Loudest Duck makes a compelling argument for Inclusion beyond Diversity, or more specifically, a “Noah’s Ark” definition of Diversity. Indeed there are only two mentions of “inclusion” in the book, Liswood refers to “Diversity 2.0” instead. While the book successfully and thoroughly argues for harnessing difference, I think it could have done more to address barriers to diversity, or the pursuit of equity in addition. Perhaps her next book The Elephant and The Mouse does - I am yet to read it.
Overall I found the book easy to read with an educational and persuasive tone. The argument is organised logically and thus clearly and effectively communicates its argument. It contributed to my understanding of Inclusion, and I will be able to apply it.
