An ally is someone who is not a member of an underrepresented group but who takes action to support that group to help make their workplace more diverse and inclusive for all.
For workplaces to become truly inclusive it is up to people who hold positions of privilege to be active allies and to take responsibility for making changes that will help others be successful.
Allies at all levels can take action with simple, everyday efforts that make a real difference and in this series, we highlight some things that you can do to be an ally and to support your colleagues from underrepresented groups.
#22: Engage with Mentoring and Reverse Mentoring Schemes
Mentoring comes in many forms and different mentoring schemes will have different requirements. However, if you are asked to be a mentor (or sponsor) to a colleague, particularly a colleague from an under-represented group seriously consider signing up – after all mentoring and sponsorship schemes only work if employees engage with them.
Some firms also offer reverse mentoring to more senior staff, connecting junior and mid-level colleagues who identify as belonging to an underrepresented group within the firm, with a senior colleague. These types of mentoring schemes are a great way for senior colleagues to be allies as they offer an opportunity for junior individual voices to be heard, and build relationships with the firm’s leadership while also allowing senior colleagues a chance to seek guidance and input from more junior colleagues, see the workplace through their eyes and learn about their experience and gain a wider perspective on the firm’s culture.
Read the full “How to be an Ally” series here.
