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.
#67: Reflect on your own biases
We all have biases, whether we are aware of them or not. Take some time to reflect on your own biases and how they might affect your interactions with others in the workplace.
By taking the time to reflect on your own biases, you can become more aware of how they might be affecting your interactions with others and work to mitigate their impact. Here are a few steps you can take to reflect on your own biases:
- Identify your biases: Start by making a list of the groups that you may have biases towards. These could include groups based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability, or socioeconomic status.
- Consider the origins of your biases: Where do your biases come from? They may be based on your own experiences or the messages and beliefs you were exposed to growing up. Reflecting on the origins of your biases can help you understand where they come from and how they might be impacting your interactions with others.
- Look for patterns in your behaviour: Do you find yourself behaving differently around people from certain groups? Do you tend to make assumptions about people based on their group membership? Reflecting on these patterns can help you identify areas where your biases may be influencing your behaviour.
- Take steps to mitigate the impact of your biases: Once you have identified your biases and how they might be impacting your behavior, you can take steps to mitigate their influence. This might include seeking out diverse perspectives, questioning your assumptions, and actively working to be more inclusive and respectful in your interactions with others.
By following these steps, you can work to become more aware of your own biases and take steps to mitigate their impact on your interactions with others.
Read the full “How to be an Ally” series here.
