How to be an Ally - Start Here

Now that International Women’s Day is over, we can return to actually supporting women. 

One way is to be a great ally.

What is it to be an ally? I know that if I am still learning, many others are too, so I decided to share with you a few things I have been thinking about.

I asked Michelle Grocholsky, owner of Empowered Equity Diversity and Inclusion Consulting for some help.

Let’s be clear; I believe we all need help deciphering how to better support women. What can we say, what should we do, and what if we do it wrong? This fear stops us from changing and I'm here today to help uncover some basics. 

Jen: Michelle, what is Allyship?   Is it being "nice" to all kinds of people at work, or does it go further? If so, how?

Michelle: Allyship is a constant process of showing up, doing our work, and seeking to learn and improve. That means that we demonstrate the humility to accept when we make mistakes or do not understand what someone from an equity deserving group is experiencing. And it means we speak up and advocate for change, even when it's hard and when we're afraid.

Jen:   How can someone encourage others to become allies along with them?

Michelle: There are many different forms of allyship, and each are important in our efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive world. You may prefer to demonstrate your allyship by offering mentorship or sponsorship support to colleagues, while your peers may do so by actively challenging biases within systems and practices. Many others will show allyship by giving up their seats to those who are less represented and whose voices need to be better heard. Whatever form of allyship you choose to demonstrate, it's about ensuring that you're doing it for the right reasons (beware of performative allyship, otherwise known as ally theatre) and respect that others may not follow the same approach as yourself.

This week, notice when you have the opportunity to be an ally. 

How did you act, what did it feel like, and what would you do differently next time?

For more from Michelle and her team go to www.livempowered.ca, and for more on leadership reach out to us at jen@jenschrafftcoaching.com