MNT2LEARN Leadership Primer Melinda Epler
3 Ways To Be A Better Ally In The Workplace
Melinda Briana Epler has over 25 years of experience developing business innovation and inclusion strategies for startups, Fortune 500 companies, and global NGOs. She is the CEO of Change Catalyst, Epler solving diversity and inclusion issues in the tech industry.
“There is a glass ceiling for women, but there is a glass ceiling for everyone really who is under-represented.”
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Melinda shares her experience with microaggressions in the workplace. She defines these as “everyday insults, negative verbal and nonverbal messages- whether intentional or unintentional that impede your ability to do your work well.”
Have you experienced microaggressions in your workplace? Have you witnessed it happening to others?
How have you or could you confront it in your workplace in order to thrive?
What do you think about the concept of “allyship”? Do you seek out allies in the workplace?
Do you serve as an ally for someone who might otherwise be marginalized?
How can you promote and support a culture of allyship in your workplace?
Melinda challenges the audience to someone’s life through mentoring. Do you serve as a mentor for someone? How has that experience helped you to grow as a leader while supporting someone else?
Have you identified a mentor for yourself? Why or why not?
Additional reading
https://ideas.bkconnection.com/women-in-leadership-finding-and-leveraging-allies-and-mentors
https://www.ddiworld.com/resources/library/trend-research/women-as-mentors-does-she-or-doesnt-she
https://hbr.org/2018/09/dont-underestimate-the-power-of-women-supporting-each-other-at-work