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When you’re a person from a historically marginalized group, being overlooked or underestimated is a frustratingly regular occurrence.
It’s common to be talked over, to be regularly passed over for opportunities, or to have others take credit for an idea you shared only minutes before someone else’s “brainstorm.” It’s a maddening and exhausting experience, and one that is often dismissed by others as inconsequential or even imagined. But let me assure you, this is very, very real. Decades of research back up the truth of this experience.
Years ago, when President Obama was in office, I read about a strategy that the women on his staff adopted: amplification. Even on a progressive-leaning and diverse team, women were still being talked over or called on less often in meetings than their counterparts. So they banded together, and when one woman made a key point, other women would repeat it and give credit to its author.
Amplification worked because it forced the men in the room to recognize the contribution and denied them the chance to (intentionally or not) claim the idea as their own.
It’s a brilliant example of what can happen when we uncompete–band together instead of competing to “stand out.” It also can change a sea change; in the original Washington Post article, the women reported that gender parity in Obama’s inner circle was achieved by his second term.
There is no singular way to practice amplification–it’s not only applicable during meetings. We can all amplify others, especially those who are silenced or talked over.
Historically marginalized people and allies alike can do it. Amplification is good for all of us. Research finds that when a voice steps in to amplify a colleague’s idea — and gives credit for it — both parties benefit. The person with the idea looked high-status compared to those whose ideas weren’t amplified, and teammates who amplified others looked high-status, too, compared to those who responded in any other way. Amplification helps others to feel heard, safe, and valued, encouraging people to contribute and boosting our ability to innovate.
Amplification builds trust. It strengthens relationships and encourages collaboration. It makes the workplace (and the world) a better place to be.
One way I try to practice amplification publicly is on my social media platforms. Amplify July is a time for me to turn over the mic (online) to those whose stories and ideas and creations should deserve to be heard. It’s a practice I started last summer, and it’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to be an ally.
Here are a few ways you can practice amplification in your own life.
Band together: If you’re seeing inequities at your organization, odds are that you aren’t alone. Talk with colleagues you trust, and make your own amplification plan, like the women in the Obama administration did. It’s like a game of volleyball; when someone sets you up, deliver the strike. With time, this practice will become more natural.
Increase awareness: If you have privilege in your workplace, making others aware of their bad behavior can be incredibly effective in preventing others from being silenced. We know that when women and other marginalized people call it out, they are more likely to be rated negatively. Not so with it is done by someone the offender perceives to be similar to themselves. If that’s you, use that power for good.
Offer opportunities: Historically marginalized people are often overlooked for opportunities to shine, like leading an initiative or being chosen as a presenter. If you are in the position to dole out those opportunities, be intentional about how those people are chosen. Seek out those who may have been overlooked, and look for candidates outside your normal sphere.
Spread the word: Sharing the work of others is often as friction-less as clicking a button, so when you see someone or something brilliant, spread the news. Let those around you know about your colleague’s research or share their recent article on LinkedIn. Share the product you purchased on Instagram, or forward their email announcement to someone who needs to know about them. It’s one of the simplest and most powerful ways to amplify.
Know what amplification isn’t: Finally, remember that amplification is about giving others the space to speak for themselves - not about speaking for them. It’s important not to center yourself in someone else’s story or experience.
Please consider using your platform — whatever it may be — to boost the signal of those whose voices may have been suppressed, overlooked, or undermined. And please check out the amazing folks I’ve been amplifying, and will continue to, on my LinkedIn and Instagram profiles.
At a time when I’ve been reeling from world events and politics, I’ve found immense joy in Amplify July. It’s a reminder that we aren’t alone, that even when we feel despair, there’s an incredible community of leaders out there doing the work to make the world more inclusive and just.
I know I’m not alone in feeling powerless when I read the news. But amplification reminds me time and again: We are much more powerful than we know, especially when we are in community together.
In solidarity,
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