Avoiding performance and staying active as an ally
Allyship is about supporting people who are different from yourself. The difference in question could be skin color, ethnicity, gender identity, LGBTQ+, ability or disability that differs from your own identities, along with other factors like age, class or neurodiversity. Acknowledging differences is the easy part; the challenge is when allyship is a performance. Performative allyship is showing up when it is convenient and self-serving. This could be due to various reasons from news-cycle activity to prioritizing one’s own ego above the needs of others. In contrast, active allyship is a consistent, intentional approach of supporting others over time.
In my interview with Dr. Poornima Luthra, associate professor at the Copenhagen Business School and the founder and CEO of TalentED Consultancy, she defined allyship as a verb, meaning “a lifelong process of building and nurturing supportive relationships with under-represented, marginalized or discriminated individuals or groups with the aim of advancing inclusion.”…..
In this article Julie Kratz expands on how to practice active allyship and avoid the pitfalls of performative allyship.
Read this article by Julie Kratz on Forbes.com
At Next Pivot Point we have lots of resources to help you facilitate successful diversity and inclusion initiatives. Schedule some time with our team today to discuss where to start or how to do better. You can also check out:
- 💻 Our Lead Like an Ally online, self paced program
- 🗣️ Our available workshop topics for developing inclusive leaders.
- 🎓 Our Train the Trainer programs for scalability within your organization
- 🤏 Our Right-Sized DEI micro-content packages for consistent small-drip content throughout the year.