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.
#4: Be a Sponsor and Be Vocal.
Support your colleagues by being an informal sponsor or supporter. A formal sponsor usually takes an employee they think has potential and guides them and supports them through a formal sponsorship scheme. However, as well as formally sponsoring someone, there are a number of things that you can do as an informal sponsor.
When an ally takes on the role of the sponsor, they are vocally supporting the work of colleagues from underrepresented groups in all contexts, but specifically in situations that will help boost their reputation.
For example, you will specifically credit them with coming up with an idea or suggestion in meetings and invite them to speak. You will give them opportunities to speak and if they are not present you will invite them to the table or speak on their behalf and follow up afterwards.
You might also talk about their expertise openly. If they help you with a particular task or they did a good job you will say so. If you are asked about their performance you will talk about them.
Finally, if you are in a position to do so you will recommend them for stretch assignments and learning opportunities and put them forward for opportunities that will help them further their career development goals.
Read the full “How to be an Ally” series here.
