In ‘Harry Potter,’ Albus Dumbledore once said – ‘Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.’ This quote perfectly captures the importance of allyship in today’s diverse workplaces. Allyship goes beyond just recognizing diversity; it involves actively contributing to an inclusive environment. There are different types of allyship, each vital in uniting diverse teams. From those who inspire to those who ask questions, these allies are the unsung heroes shaping inclusive work cultures today.
Here are 5 types of allies we have experienced in the workplace:
The Inspirer
- You see them in action, and you feel inspired to act
- They tell stories, and they live their stories
- You look forward to meeting them
The Inspirer in the workplace is a catalyst for motivation and action. They lead by example, their actions and stories resonating deeply, sparking a desire in others to follow suit.
Maya brings a lively energy and a wealth of experiences to the table. She doesn’t just share her own stories of overcoming challenges and achieving success but turns them into valuable lessons for everyone around her. Every time people interact with Maya, they feel energized and can’t wait for the next time they get to connect with her. Weaving together storytelling and action, she makes even the most ordinary tasks feel like thrilling adventures, making her an inspiration.
The Influencer
- They call out bias
- They reinforce the importance of diverse thought processes
- They influence organizational thought processes and policies
The Influencer is out here shaking things up, calling out biases, and pushing for more diverse perspectives. They’re making waves in their interactions and organisational processes.
As a team leader, Mihir saw that project teams needed to be more diverse. So, he spoke up for inclusive hiring and mentoring programs. His actions made the teams more diverse and brought in new viewpoints that led to more creative solutions. His influence didn’t stop there – it sparked company-wide changes to create a more inclusive atmosphere.
The Initiator
- Organises events and mobilizes people to come together
- Shows up with enthusiasm
The workplace needs someone to kickstart and lead Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion events, getting everyone on board. This person is the driving force behind bringing teams together and creating opportunities for open conversations and growth.
Alex is like a human party popper, always full of energy and new ideas. Alex might turn the break room into a global food festival to celebrate diversity or make an ordinary Tuesday a ‘Share-Your-Story’ day. Everyone is drawn to these events because Alex makes inclusivity feel like a celebration rather than just a rule to follow. That’s the special thing about an Initiator – they make ‘coming together’ the coolest thing to do.
The Innovator
- Innovators creatively solve DEI problems.
Innovators are the ones who come up with creative solutions to DEI challenges. They think differently and bring out-of-the-box ideas to the table.
Take Jenna, for instance, who introduced a virtual reality diversity training program. This immersive experience lets team members see things from the perspective of colleagues from diverse backgrounds, promoting empathy and understanding. Jenna’s fresh approach changed the usual training method, making DEI learning more interesting and effective.
The Inquirer
- Curious about beginning their Inclusion journey
- Figuring out how to support their organisation’s DEI efforts
The Inquirer is a newcomer to the world of DEI, keen to explore and contribute to these initiatives.
Shrom took a small step by joining a book club focused on diverse authors to expand his understanding. He then began attending DEI forums at work, asking questions and getting more involved in related projects. Sam’s journey showcases how the Inquirer starts with curiosity and evolves into an informed and engaged participant in DEI efforts.
Wrapping up
Every person plays a part in making things better. Whether you’re someone who inspires, influences, starts things off, brings new ideas, or asks questions, your contribution matters. Think about what kind of supporter you are or want to be at work when it comes to diversity and inclusion. Embrace your own way of doing things and add it to the mix, making the workplace more diverse and inclusive.
