Allyship and curiosity drive inclusion for people of color at work
Executive summary
A consistent challenge for ERG leaders and other DEI professionals is how to boost allyship in order to effectively create change. Our research finds that employees across all levels – not just those in official leadership positions – can lead inclusively by powering their allyship behaviors with curiosity by seeking out different points of view, practicing active listening, and reflecting on diverse insights.
In this report, we find that pairing allyship with curiosity is not only essential for avoiding the pitfalls of performative allyship, but also accelerates workplace inclusion for employees from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. We provide a detailed model for individuals and organizations looking to start and/or strengthen their allyship journeys.