7 ways for leaders to be an ally
The Champion
A champion is an ally who champions for the inclusion of underrepresented groups in public avenues – such as conferences and industry-wide events, traditional media events, social media, etc.– with the aim of giving them greater visibility and sending a message to large audiences about the need for equity and inclusivity.
A sponsor is an ally that vocally supports a person from a minority group and their work with the aim of helping boost the credibility and reputation of the person, especially in situations where the sponsor notices that the contributions of the underrepresented colleague are being dismissed or ignored. They provide support and guidance for the individual.
The Sponsor
The Advocate
The Advocate uses their power and influence to bring peers from underrepresented groups into highly exclusive circles. The Advocate recognises and addresses unjust omissions, holding their peers accountable for including qualified colleagues of all genders, races and ethnicities, abilities, ages, body shapes or sizes, religions, and sexual orientations.
The Amplifier
When an ally takes on the role of the Amplifier, that ally works to ensure that marginalised voices are both heard and respected. This type of allyship can take many forms but is focused on representation within communication.
The Scholar
When an ally takes on the role of the Scholar, that ally seeks to learn as much as possible about the challenges and prejudices faced by colleagues from marginalised groups. Scholars never insert their own opinions, experiences, or ideas, but instead simply listen and learn. They don’t turn to marginalised people but do their own research to seek out the relevant information.
The Confidant
A confidant is an ally who creates an environment that makes people from minority groups comfortable enough to express their needs, frustrations, fears, and challenges.
The Upstander
An upstander is an ally who chooses not to sit back and watch as someone from a marginalised group gets harassed or disrespected. When they see action that they deem to be wrong, they take action against the wrongdoing.