It’s rare that I spend so much of a weekend reading a business book, but Almost Doing Good by Jessica Pettitt kept me turning each page. The book is for leaders who struggle to always make the “right” decision, or who are looking for a blueprint or a path forward.

The book reminds us that most paths are unclear and that any good leader must ask questions both internally and externally. It is a straightforward read, yet incredibly rich and deep at the same time. The book reminded me of a situation I encountered years ago when a CEO asked me, “How do I create a world class diversity program for my organization?” While a laudable goal and a great question, I had to explain that there’s no such thing. I wish this book had been written then and I could have shared it with him at the time. Almost Doing Good requires the reader to think, to think hard, and to think again.

Pettitt’s examples are clear. For instance, there’s an exploration of how physical spaces and subtle power dynamics shape our workplace culture. I loved the example of the University of Tennessee’s iconic branding — their “Tennessee Orange” is everywhere from carpets to end tables. It’s a reminder of how intentionally designed spaces can create a sense of identity and cohesion, almost like an unspoken cultural guide. The author’s story about the nurse’s ward and the vein finder stored in an obscure location was also so relatable and insightful. We’ve all seen those odd “gatekeeper” dynamics over seemingly small things that actually reflect deeper social power. Pettitt is smart and reflective, and the book will make you notice things about your work environment you probably hadn’t noticed before. It’s not a question of should you read it, but how soon.

What good books have you read lately? Or do you have a favorite podcast to share?