EVEN THE PLAYING FIELD AND BE AN ALLY
What does it mean to you to be an ally?
To me, being an ally means supporting and advocating for individuals or groups who are not as well represented or have the same opportunities in your workplace. Who that is may depend on your organization.
As a women in finance in the 90’s, that was me. I was often assigned the farthest seat at the table making it hard to chime in and have my voice heard. The only other woman in the room was the secretary and they typically sat me next to her. If that is making you grumble, imagine how I felt when the men in the room came and told me how they wanted their coffee!
I have to share that Zoom is truly helping on this front, at least for women in the workplace. Anecdotal evidence is showing that when meeting in the virtual workspace, women are speaking more, getting credited for their ideas, and being interrupted less. Isn’t that cool!?
When everyone takes up equal space on your screen and good microphones even the volume – we are literally on a more even playing field. But we aren’t always in that format so we need people in the room to stand up and speak up.
I still remember hearing about an incident in an executive meeting where a woman’s idea was dismissed and she was spoken to inappropriately in front of her peers. As they walked out of the meeting, her male coworker turned to her and said, “ I can't believe you didn't say anything.” She calmly looked him in the eye and responded, “I can't believe you didn't.”
Had he, that would have been an example of allyship. If you want to be an ally, speak up when it doesn’t impact you. Here are some tips for becoming an effective ally in the workplace:
At the end of the day, it feels good in all directions when we think and act like an ally to those around us. There are great benefits to the organization when employees feel supported and valued; including increased productivity, engagement and retention. But my favorite benefit is simply creating stronger relationships with those around you.
What do you do to be an ally? I am still learning.
More With Michelle
I was recently asked to do the keynote for Lehigh’s Women in Business conference. The theme, Balancing Staying Present while Plugged In. At first, I wondered why they asked me since it is not my specialty. But then I realized how it related and was thrilled to share… (I hear the drumroll in my head)
Recommended by LinkedIn
Intentional Connection in a Hybrid World: Staying Present While Remote
It seems so obvious now how much this topic is needed. Almost as soon as I created it, two other clients already booked me to deliver it for their organizations.
I am excited to share my new program – full description below. If this topic is something your organization needs, reach out. I can do it live or virtually.
Intentional Connection in a Hybrid World:
Staying Present While Remote
In the new normal of remote work, connecting has taken on new challenges. In the fast moving, hybrid world we communicate through email, text and video conference and forget the power of conversation. Communication and connection are the foundation for building a thriving network and business.
During this talk, Michelle will inspire you to leverage the power of personal connection in the hybrid work environment while still incorporating the efficiency of virtual communication.
What You Will Learn
Perfect For: Leadership, Effective Communications, Individual Impact, and Relationship Building
Want to learn more, contact me today!
Keep connecting,
Sorbonne University
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Sales Associate at American Airlines
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Human-centered Exec Advisor | Speaker | Board Member | Impact Investor | Associate Producer | Author | ✨ Empowering leaders to accelerate life-improving innovation + invest for impactful change ✨
1ySpeaking up to show your support for a co-worker can make all the difference in them feeling seen, heard, and appreciated. As a female engineer, I know having vocal supporters during my career made a big difference to me feeling a sense of belonging. I agree we need to seek opportunities to speak up for others, Michelle Tillis Lederman, CSP, SCC, Leadership Speaker!.
Author of The Leadership Letter weekly column; Consulting Expert with OnFrontiers; advisor and mentor on leadership and public service; retired U.S. Army and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Officer.
1yThank you, Michelle. I have long practiced and advocated not only treating everyone with respect and valuing their contributions, but also speaking up and out when others show disrespect. I don't use the term ally, for it implies that we are still in some ways never going to be one in the same, for I consider us a unified presence. Yes, we have our differences and unique qualities, but we are of one creation.
Top Voice - Leadership | Telecommunication Services (Top 1%) | People Management | Management Consulting | Business Development | Team Leadership | 5G Open RAN,BSS,OSS | AI | Strategy & Operational Excellence
1yExcellent thought leadership and A must leadership trait to have in the pursuit of a more sustainable world - Thank you for sharing Michelle Tillis Lederman, CSP, SCC, Leadership Speaker