Reconstructing DEI by Lily Zheng Summary

Reconstructing DEI is a practical workbook companion to Zheng’s DEI Deconstructed, offering 40 exercises, worksheets, and tools to implement diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies. It focuses on diagnosing systemic inequities, building accountability-driven partnerships, and creating data-driven goals to achieve measurable DEI outcomes. The book emphasizes restorative conflict resolution and cultural shifts toward inclusion, blending self-reflection with organizational change frameworks.

This workbook is tailored for DEI practitioners seeking skill-building resources, organizational leaders aiming to upskill their teams, and advocates pursuing systemic change. It’s particularly valuable for those transitioning from theoretical DEI knowledge to actionable strategies, with step-by-step guidance on stakeholder engagement and sustainable cultural transformation.

Yes—it’s a hands-on guide praised for merging academic rigor with practicality. Lily Zheng, a Forbes-recognized DEI trailblazer, provides structured tools for diagnosing inequity, fostering inclusion, and avoiding common pitfalls like performative initiatives. The workbook’s focus on measurable outcomes makes it a standout resource for driving lasting change.

Key ideas include:

• Self-work: Exploring personal identities and privileges to inform DEI practice.
• Diagnostic frameworks: Tools to assess organizational inequities.
• Restorative justice: Addressing harm through reconciliation over punishment.
• Coalition-building: Mobilizing stakeholders to sustain DEI efforts.

The book outlines steps to align DEI goals with business objectives, such as creating data-backed metrics, designing inclusive policies, and training leaders to address bias. It also provides templates for benchmarking progress and overcoming resistance to systemic shifts.

Notable activities include:

• Identity mapping to assess personal privileges and biases.
• Stakeholder analysis worksheets to identify allies and opponents.
• Scenario-based drills for navigating DEI conflicts.
• Metrics templates for tracking equity progress.

While DEI Deconstructed lays the theoretical foundation, this workbook focuses on application. It expands on concepts like intersectional advocacy and systemic diagnostics while introducing new tools for restorative practices and coalition-building.

Some note the workbook assumes prior DEI knowledge, making it less accessible to beginners. Others highlight the challenge of implementing its intensive frameworks in resource-strapped organizations. However, its actionable approach is widely praised for bridging the gap between intent and impact.

It provides strategies for redesigning hiring practices, amplifying marginalized voices in decision-making, and creating ERGs (Employee Resource Groups). Case studies illustrate how to address microaggressions and institutional barriers to equity.

Zheng emphasizes data-driven decision-making, including methods to collect demographic insights, measure inclusion sentiment, and audit policies for bias. The book cautions against misusing data to justify superficial changes, advocating instead for transparency in reporting.

It includes exercises to prevent burnout, such as boundary-setting templates and reflection prompts to balance advocacy with personal well-being. Zheng stresses the importance of sustainable activism to avoid cyclical DEI fatigue.

Zheng is a Stanford-educated DEI strategist, LinkedIn Top Voice on Racial Equity, and bestselling author. Their work with Fortune 500 companies and inclusion nonprofits informs the workbook’s evidence-based, real-world-tested methodologies.