Recently the term “ally” has been used in reference to people with privilege using it to remove barriers underrepresented people encounter. The definition of an ally is also discussed in 5 TYPES Of PEOPLE YOU NEED IN YOUR CAREER COMMUNITY.

But sometimes you don’t realize you have an ally.  It’s mostly because you don’t know what an ally is!  You don’t realize you have an ally because you’re thinking they are a workplace friend.  An ally makes changes to assist those in underrepresented groups so they can  gain access which leads to more success in the world. This includes the workplace.

Power of An Ally

In the workplace, allies may not have an immense amount of power or authority, but they oftentimes get access to key information which could help you with your career. The privilege of allies allows them to bring up issues and situations whether it’s in public or behind closed doors. They can discuss you by name to key people who are decision makers in the organization.

Your allies really do advocate for you within that workplace, sometimes it’s in an industry. Don’t be surprised when you hear people speaking negatively in your organization, but because your allies are respected the backlash is usually minimal. When it comes to allies in the workplace, some may not have a lot of authority and power but they still are there for you.

Don’t discount those people. You won’t believe the information that they have, they are just privy about it. First, let’s discuss the characteristics of an ally that you don’t want.

No Gossiping

If you have an ally who’s always gossiping RUN! You don’t want that. Someone who is knowledgeable and has the access to the information within the organization is who you want. Your ally should be able to help you in your career. That’s the kind of ally that you want.

If you continue to have an ally who’s gossiping, it won’t take you very far. It will bring more drama. The relationship could hurt your credibility as well as your brand in the workplace, which you don’t want.

However, allies will share with you information that others won’t.  This will be good information as well as information to keep safe emotionally in the workplace. They will do things for you while others won’t, even though they may not have power and authority within that organization.

Personable Brand

Having an ally is important. But not all allies are created equal. An ally with a horrible brand in your organization or industry can be detrimental to your career. It’s important to know your ally’s personal brand.

First find the answers to these questions:

1. How respected and trusted are they?
2. Do they have a strong network within the organization or industry?
3. Will they be a hindrance to advancing your career?

Then determine if this is someone you want as your ally.

Fake Ally

Next is determining the authenticity of your ally. The worst type of ally is a fake ally. This person is not out to help you or they are using you to only help themselves. This type of ally maybe harder to identify. They may initially prove to be helpful. Yet overtime they use you as a scapegoat or a charity case in your organization. It’s important to do due diligence on people you consider allies.

Due diligence includes researching them on social media. Listening in your workplace about your ally. Contacting previous employees or co-workers of your supposed ally.

When it comes to an ally what are the characteristics we’re looking for?

Knowledgeable

Next, your ally is someone who is knowledgeable. Specifically, she or he has access to information you won’t have access to at all. This person has access to other people in the organization and sometimes in the industry that could really help you maneuver through that organization, particular location, department, division or the corporation. The information could be new career advancing opportunities.

Supportive of you

They aren’t looking to back stab you. But instead, they are happy when you win. Then they are going to say, “Oh I see you got invited to that meeting” and they’re like, “yes, you got invited to the meeting”. “Who did you sit next to? Did you meet such and such? Oh did you tell them that you know this?”

Sometimes they are preparing you for meetings like “Okay, when you get there, try to sit next to this guy, pull up his profile.” Or they already have things prepared and go “I pulled up his profile on LinkedIn, this is what he looks like.” Your ally will screenshot the person’s picture and send it to you.” Then they’ll provide details like this: “Try to sit next to him because he’s the vice president of whatever. Okay, he went to college here.” They will do reconnaissance and research for you because they want you to win. Your ally knows where you want to go and helps you get where you want to be.

How does my ally know where I wanna go?  That’s what the next thing is.

Supportive

Lastly, they listen to you and have built a relationship of rapport and you trust your ally. Your ally listens to what you say intently. Your ally will ask you questions that will help you to reflect. These questions are also to help you consider options you now have because of your ally.

You know you have that one person. I suggest you find one in  your workplace. Somebody who is helping you get to where you want to be, someone who is helping you push forward in your corporate career and somebody who really wants the best for you, won’t give up on you and stay faithful on what you want.

Your Ally

Your ally is supportive, has access to information and influences decision makers.  An ally is listening to what you want when it comes to your career and they take action for you. They are cheering for everything that you do. They are cheering for you on so many levels, even on your bad days. This workplace friend is someone who will say to you “It’s okay! It is okay because it’s not the end of the world. You know what? We got to come up with a new plan, revise the strategy and make it happen. All is not lost”.

Having a workplace ally is truly important and key when it comes to your career as a women of color in STEM professional.

Photo Credit: Some pictures courtesy of #WoCinTech Chat.