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.
#3: Lead with Transparency and share your experiences.
Everyone has a story. If you are in a leadership position it is important to be ready to share your story and talk openly about your experience and how you got there.
When looking at people in leadership positions it is easy for people to assume that they have led a privileged life. However, this is not always the case.
For example, you might come from an economically underprivileged family, have been the first in your family to go to university, be an unpaid carer, have experienced mental health issues or have a hidden disability.
Not sharing these details and not talking about them allow people to make assumptions.
Sharing facts about your life is bringing your whole self to work and is part of leading the way with transparency and role-modelling and hopefully allowing others to share about themselves too.
Read the full “How to be an Ally” series here.
