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.
#23: Expand your Culture
The culture in your firm and team should be inclusive and it is important as an ally to ensure that your culture is inclusive to all. However, part of this also includes a shift from the mind-set of a “cultural fit” to “culture add”. Keep you bias in check and ensure that you are looking at how someone can add something to your team or firm.
Cultural fit is an exclusive term with expectation for people to change or adapt to be included or to already or already be culture-ready (and therefore the same). To have a truly diverse and inclusive team, people need to be able to be themselves therefore “culture add”, a much more inclusive term.
Base your culture development on ensuring everyone is welcome to belong and feels included. As part of this you should be ensuring that all your staff are listened to, heard and can contribute equally.
Read the full “How to be an Ally” series here.
