Each week, Karen Catlin shares five simple actions to create a more inclusive workplace and be a better ally. — 1. Push back on “lacks executive presence” In Stop Using ‘Executive Presence’ as a Reason to Not Promote Women, reporter Alizah Salario explored this catch-all term for describing how leaders should talk, act, and look, and how it is harmful to women and people of color. Salario wrote, “the push to acquire that special ‘je ne sais…

Each week, Karen Catlin shares five simple actions to create a more inclusive workplace and be a better ally. — 1. Don’t “try out” a disability Here’s a recent headline that caught my attention: Japan’s New Male Minister for Birthrate Tried ‘Pregnancy Belly’. Wondering why he did so? To deepen his understanding of the declining birthrate taking place in his country. Yet, I learned from Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to…

Each week, Karen Catlin shares five simple actions to create a more inclusive workplace and be a better ally. — 1. Leverage retention efforts equally Want to know why it takes women longer to get promoted than men, despite the progress towards gender equality at work? Professors Elizabeth L. Campbell and Oliver Hahl may have the answer. In the Harvard Business Review article Stop Undervaluing Exceptional Women, Campbell and Hahl wrote about their research into…

Each week, Karen Catlin shares five simple actions to create a more inclusive workplace and be a better ally. — Earlier this month, I reviewed some older editions of “5 Ally Actions” and found some gems about giving equitable and effective feedback. So, I decided to focus on feedback for today’s newsletter, republishing some older tips and some new ones. –Karen 1. Cultivate in-group belonging In the Harvard Business Review article 6 Ways to…

Each week, Karen Catlin shares five simple actions to create a more inclusive workplace and be a better ally. — 1. Seek systemic change On my journey to be a better ally, I’m inspired by stories of people who seek systemic change instead of “one-and-done” acts of allyship. This change often means more work, but the impact can be substantial. Here’s an example. In a blog post, Dr. Eileen Barrett described meeting two students…

Each week, Karen Catlin shares five simple actions to create a more inclusive workplace and be a better ally. — 1. Stop protecting “good guys” When discussing an incident of harassment, sexism, or another non-inclusive behavior, perhaps you’ve heard someone say, “Oh, he didn’t mean anything by that. He’s a good guy.” Or, “Don’t take it personally. Cut him some slack. I know he didn’t mean it. He’s a good guy.”

Each week, Karen Catlin shares five simple actions to create a more inclusive workplace and be a better ally. — 1. Share interview questions ahead of time Earlier this week, I listened to a keynote at the Cal State Tech Connect Conference by Eugene Whitlock JD, the chief people & culture officer at UC Berkeley. In his talk, he explored the benefits of diverse teams and how to hire them. Here’s just one idea Whitlock shared: Share…

Each week, Karen Catlin shares five simple actions to create a more inclusive workplace and be a better ally. — 1. Commit to a first step I recently read DO THE WORK: An Antiracist Activity Book by W. Kamau Bell and Kate Schatz. I love this new book, which is packed with activities, games, illustrations, comics, and eye-opening conversations. Each challenges us to think critically and take action to address racial injustice.

Each week, Karen Catlin shares five simple actions to create a more inclusive workplace and be a better ally. — 1. Endorse colleagues in meetings Earlier this week, Tim Banks tweeted: “White folks: If you have BIPOC or otherwise marginalized co-workers who are always the outspoken one in meetings, and you agree with what they’re saying but don’t speak up also, you can’t call yourself an ally, full stop