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.
#63: Listen to your colleagues and believe them
When someone from an underrepresented group shares their experiences or feelings with you, listen without judgment and believe what they are telling you.
- Practice active listening: This means giving the person your full attention, making eye contact, and nodding or providing other nonverbal cues to show that you are listening. Avoid interrupting or finishing the person’s sentences.
- Avoid making assumptions: Don’t jump to conclusions or try to “fix” the person’s problem. Just listen and allow them to express their thoughts and feelings without interrupting.
- Ask clarifying questions: If something is unclear or you want to better understand the person’s perspective, ask clarifying questions. Avoid questioning the person’s experiences or feelings.
- Validate their emotions: Let the person know that their feelings are valid and legitimate, even if you don’t fully understand or agree with them.
By following these steps, you can show the person that you are truly listening and that you believe and support them. It’s important to remember that everyone’s experiences are unique, and it’s not up to you to judge or determine the validity of someone else’s feelings.
Read the full “How to be an Ally” series here.
