4 Ways to Being an Effective Ally

Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) are increasingly becoming a top priority for organisations.?Whatever the stimulus?or motivation there is?now?a growing recognition that I&D is not just simply the right thing to do, because discrimination is wrong, but it is actually very good for business. I&D helps deliver high performing -?fit for purpose?well motivated workforces that are?fully reflective, at all levels, of the communities and customers served.?

Central to achieving this, are inclusive organisational cultures where all colleagues are valued, feel safe, welcome, have a sense of belonging and are supported to achieve their full potential.?One of the tools being used by many organisations is allyship. Having had a career spanning over three decades in the public, private and not for profit sector I have seen how effective allyship can have life changing impact on individuals and help organisations create that all-inclusive culture.?

Allyship is a lifelong process of building relationships based on trust, consistency, and accountability with marginalised and disadvantaged individuals and/or groups. It is an opportunity to grow and learn about ourselves and others. It involves recognising inequalities, understanding the impact of discrimination, disadvantage and taking practical steps to support including sponsoring, advocating and sharing growth opportunities.?Below are four ways of being an effective ally.

1.?????Widening networks.

Most people have ‘people like me social interest?networks’. This can influence hiring, promoting, and offering other career-growth opportunities to people who are ‘just like me/us’. For example. CIPD research (https://www.cipd.co.uk/about/media/press/260815-behavioural-science-recruitment#gref[BW2]?) suggests that too often managers hire people similar to them as a result of unconscious bias.

To diversify your network, spend time with colleagues who are members of underrepresented groups. Join employee networks, resource groups, conferences/focus groups. Follow a diversity of voices on social media. In all of these settings, you can get to know individuals from diverse backgrounds, hear about their experiences, and learn from them.

2.?????Inclusive thinking and behaviour?

Many of us spend much of our day in meetings. These are often filled with non-inclusive behaviours, such as interruptions, idea hijacking, misdirected questions, and housework?tasks?highlighted by Caitlin Moran, journalist and author, during her appearance in the CIPD’s annual conference November 2021. https://twitter.com/CIPD/status/1456289442789040133.?

Conscious attention is needed to observe what is happening in meetings and take action. If someone is being interrupted? Interject, and say, “Let’s hear X finish her thought.” If someone is repeating another person’s great idea and getting all the credit? Saying something like, “Great idea. Thanks to Y for suggesting it earlier.” If a client is asking you questions instead of the most qualified woman or black or minority ethnic person in the room, redirect the conversation with, “Z is the expert on that topic. Let’s hear from them.”?

Speaking out for underrepresented colleagues in meetings and other settings will help ensure all voices are heard, with the added bonus of helping everyone know that they are valued. Also, invite a colleague from an underrepresented group to join your next?high-profile meeting, give them insight into the discussion while increasing their visibility with the people around the table

3.?????Advocating.??

We all know the value of someone speaking highly of us. So, the next time when you are in a decision-making position, use your social capital to advocate on behalf of a colleague from an underrepresented group with others, especially influencers. You can make all the difference.

Using your position of privilege to share their achievement or what you have learned from them is a great way to boost their standing and reputation. Supporting them with their professional goals for example joining a different team or the board of a professional association to gain a certain kind of experience or helping them to publish an article for the company blog.

4.?????Recommend them for high profile assignments and speaking opportunities.?

Skill-building projects and giving presentations are great confidence and career boosters. You can help them improve visibility within an organisation, enhance social networks and build?credibility.?https://www.cipd.co.uk/Images/employee-outlook-focus-on-skills-and-careers_tcm18-10995.pdf

The next time you need someone to stand in for you on a presentation or take on a high-profile assignment, think about a colleague from an under represented group. Ultimately, you can help someone be better positioned for a promotion.?

Being an ally is a journey, and you don’t have to do it all at once. Start with a single act. While it may seem small, you’ll make a difference. You may even start a ripple effect, inspiring others across your organisation to act as better allies.