As I continue my journey to learn more about the Pride and the LGBTQIA+ community, I found this article by the Chartered Managment Institute (CMI) describing how to be an ally as a manager.

THe article talks about active allyship through conversations and building understanding and relationships. I know one of my worries, is of saying or doing the wrong thing. As a leader it often feels like there is no room to make errors, we must be perfect.

“Mistakes are an essential part of growing and strengthening our capacity for allyship,” they say. “Approach any situation as a learning opportunity and, when someone raises an issue with something you’ve said or done, don’t think of it as a criticism. Instead, understand it as an expression of their trust in you to listen, be understanding, and make a change for the better.”

It's hard to do, but we must allow ourselves to be vulnerable, make mistakes and be authentic leaders. Our colleagues don't want a perfect leader, they want authenticity and integrity. The alternative is to never learn, never grow and set ourselve's unrealistic expectations that we can't meet.

Be open, be humble and be the ally your colleagues deserve....

See Pride - Is It Still Needed in 2023? for additional information on Pride and why it matters.