Mark Freed: Is focusing on Male Allies the most effective path forward?

Last week, I had numerous conversations with people expressing a desire for more men to step up as Male Allies. When I ask what they envision these allies doing, the response is often about supporting women to overcome workplace barriers and challenges, helping them to perform, think, and act in the current workplace culture created mostly by men. But does this approach truly foster the rich benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace? Why are so few men actively stepping forward into this allies role?

This raises a crucial question: Is focusing on Male Allies the most effective path forward?

Our research suggests that the barriers women face are also experienced, to a lesser extent, by many men. So, rather than just seeking allies, wouldn’t it be more advantageous to engage everyone in the effort to transform workplace culture? By doing so, we could inspire those men who recognize the personal and collective benefits of inclusive workplaces to champion this change—not just as Male Allies, but as Inclusion Champions.

At Men for Inclusion we help firms rethink the approach and work together to help build truly inclusive environments. Environments that are the fertile ground in which diverse talent can flourish, progress and put down it’s roots. Environments that are seeing the benefits of true diversity of thought through inclusive cultures. Environments where all men are part of the solution not the problem.