Better Allies
Book

Better Allies

Everyday Actions to Create Inclusive, Engaging Workplaces

Karen Catlin
Karen Catlin, 2021
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Editorial Rating

7

getAbstract Rating

  • Comprehensive
  • Applicable
  • For Beginners

Recommendation

Are you looking for tangible ways to counteract prejudice at work? Entrepreneur Karen Catlin sheds light on how to become a workplace ally to underrepresented and marginalized employees. Her guide to inclusivity will help you identify and call out acts of microaggression, exclusion, racism and hostility. Catlin’s advice is primarily geared toward white men, but anyone in a position of power can learn from her clear-eyed, wide-ranging counsel.

Summary

Diverse workplaces are happier and more innovative.

Workplace diversity isn’t just an ethical imperative – it’s good for business. Diverse companies are more creative and cutting-edge and their employees more content. Inclusive businesses, however, are not always easy to cultivate. Women, people of color, LGBTQ people, those with disabilities and other groups still face oppression. The hurdles they face range from harassment and reduced promotional opportunities to hiring discrimination. From Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s suggestion that women shouldn’t request raises to Google’s anti-diversity manifesto, examples of ignorance and gaffes abound.

Foster thriving, diverse workspaces through effective “allyship.” 

People in positions of organizational power can do a lot to cultivate workplace diversity by being allies to underrepresented employees. Allies work to include everyone in meetings and workplace events. They build a diverse professional network and workforce. They shut down showboaters and idea hijackers and amplify underrepresented voices. For example, women can...

About the Author

Karen Catlin is an American entrepreneur, public speaker and former vice president at Adobe Systems. 

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