Men, Stop Calling Yourselves Allies. Act Like One.

Men are clearly positioned — owing to their gender-conferred privilege and their organizational power — to bring about workplace change. But simply calling yourself an ally to any person of an underrepresented group — including women — misses the point of allyship altogether. Instead of self-labeling, the authors offer six rules to live by for men who aspire to better ally behavior in the service of promoting real gender equity in the workplace. First, allyship is a verb, not a noun. You must take action. Second, allyship is a journey, not a destination. Nobody ever “arrives” as an ally. Third, allyship is with, not for. Make your ally actions collaborative. Fourth, allyship perpetuates autonomy, not dependence. You must hold yourself accountable for the net outcome of your ally behavior. Fifth, allyship is about decentering, not standing in the spotlight. Speak less, hand the mic to women with key expertise, and structure projects so women gain credit. Finally, allyship is critical of the status quo. Examine longstanding practices that perpetuate systemic inequities.