Session Focus: Review innovative ERG Leadership Development to create authentic change.
This session offered a compelling exploration into how Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) can significantly enhance organizational performance. Central to this discussion was the role of leadership within ERGs. Caitlin highlighted a primary challenge faced by ERG leaders:
"Balancing ERG duties with core work is the biggest challenge for ERG leaders." -- Caitlin Myron Reig, DePaul University
This remark underscores the critical need for robust leadership development explicitly tailored to the unique challenges faced by ERG leaders. Core insights from the session:
- Leadership Development: ERGs demand leadership development programs that specifically address ERG leaders' dual roles—balancing their ERG responsibilities alongside their primary job functions. Providing structured support through mentorship and coaching can empower these leaders, enabling them to champion impactful initiatives within their groups effectively.
- DePaul’s Research-based Certificate: As a community we discussed the findings for 30+ DEI and L&D professionals about their perspectives on the knowledge and skill requirements of successful ERG leaders surveyed by DePaul–precisely the challenges a typical ERG leader faces.
- Strategic Alignment and Resource Coordination: Iris underscores the importance of coordinating resources across various departments to optimize ERG impact. By aligning Talent Development (L&D) initiatives on foundational topics like bias and psychological safety, we create a supportive backdrop for D&I and ERG activities. This strategic coordination ensures that ERGs not only function as safe spaces but are also supported by learning resources that are complementary, not overlapping. This holistic approach secures executive backing and positions ERGs as central players in achieving the organization’s goals.
This session's insights highlight the transformative role ERGs can play when strategically integrated, well-supported, and aligned with their organization's overarching goals. Far from being mere support networks, ERGs are vital platforms for fostering leadership and driving significant organizational change.
Read more: The Power of Employee Resource Groups: How People Create Authentic Change and for a limited time, complimentary getAbstract is available on ELE's bookshelf.
