It’s a tricky thing to define what it is to be an ally. There are many different approaches and ways to go about it but perhaps the single most important thing to remember is, it’s about action. Thinking about doing something is of no use to anyone. The support, the change, the difference is made when you actually do it. Ask questions when you think you’ve heard something that isn’t acceptable, object if someone is behaving in a discriminatory way.
Read MoreThe tendency to focus on ‘fixing’ the underrepresented rather than leveraging the power of those calling the shots is an issue we come across a lot. At The Honeycomb Works’ ‘How to be an ally’ event I spoke about a number of common mistakes I see organisations making when trying to create inclusive, diverse cultures and this one seemed to really resonate with people.
Read MoreWe are regularly telling women and minorities all the things they should be doing and not doing, as if changing their behaviour will sort everything out. And organisations that otherwise develop brilliant processes, apply off-the shelf, one-off solutions to a problem that is woven into every part of work.
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