The difference between allies and confidants is that allies are for something, and confidants are for someone.
You want to be surrounded by allies. These are the people who will speak up for you in rooms where you’re not present, who will represent your interests and make sure that your voice is heard.
And then there are confidants—the people we would sacrifice our own livelihoods, welfare, reputations… all for their good—AND they would do the same if they had the opportunity.
Confidants are found outside of the workplace—they’re people with whom we share our lives, not just our work lives.
Being in an organization where we are fully utilizing our gifts and talents and being able to flourish is easier if we know who our allies and confidants are.