3 ways to be a better ally in the workplace | Melinda Epler
The Importance of Allyship in the Workplace
In this section, the speaker talks about her experience as an executive at an international engineering firm and how little behaviors and patterns slowly chipped away at her ability to do her work well. She introduces the concept of microaggressions and toxic workplace culture.
Toxic Workplace Culture
- The speaker was creating real change in the world but it was the worst professional experience of her life.
- Little behaviors and patterns like people not paying attention during presentations, interrupting, dismissing ideas, etc., every day wear you down.
- At a low point, she read an article about toxic workplace culture and microaggressions which made her realize that she wasn't failing but rather the culture around her was failing her.
- Behaviors and patterns like these every day affect underrepresented people of all backgrounds in the workplace.
Allyship
- Allyship is about understanding that imbalance in opportunity exists due to many barriers put in front of underrepresented groups by society.
- When we work together to develop more diverse and inclusive teams, data shows we will be more innovative, productive, and profitable.
- We can all be allies for each other regardless of our background or privilege level.
- There are many people who are underrepresented or face barriers and discrimination such as women, nonbinary individuals, racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, anybody over age 35.
Why Allyship Matters
In this section, the speaker explains why allyship is important and how it can benefit individuals and society as a whole.
Find Your Reason
- People are allies for different reasons.
- Find your reason to be an ally.
- It could be for the business case, fairness and social justice, or for your kids.
- For the speaker, it's all three.
What Can You Do as an Ally?
- Start by doing no harm.
- Know what microaggressions are and avoid them.
- Listen, learn, unlearn, relearn, make mistakes and keep learning.
- Give full attention to underrepresented people in meetings.
- Don't interrupt; echo and attribute instead.
- Learn the language used to describe identity of others.
Advocate for Underrepresented People
- Intervene when you see someone being belittled or interrupted in a meeting.
- Invite underrepresented people to speak up in meetings.
- Say no to panels without underrepresented speakers.
- Refer someone for a job or encourage them to take new opportunities.
Change Someone's Life Significantly
- Be there for somebody throughout their career.
- Mentor or sponsor them,
give them opportunities as they grow.
- Volunteer for programs serving underserved youth.
Transform your team
to be more diverse and inclusive.
Help Advocate for Change Across Your Company
When companies teach their people to be allies,
diversity and inclusion programs are stronger.
Conclusion: Thrive Together with Allyship
The speaker concludes by emphasizing that allyship is powerful and encourages everyone to try it.
Allyship can help us support one another so that we can thrive together. When we thrive, we build better teams, better products and better companies.