Effective ERG

Leadership

Strategies Specifically Designed for ERG Leadership

ERG LEADER Experiential Training Program

ERG leaders possess the power to inspire ERG member engagement while also driving real business impact. The ability to effectively manage and realize both – takes a thorough understanding of the ERGs role within the organization, effective and inclusive leadership skills, and a solid overarching strategy. 

The ERG Leader Experiential Learning program empowers leaders with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to effectively and confidently lead an ERG. The workshops focus on understanding (1) the critical role of strategic planning and (2) the need to proactively engage and effectively communicate with members. 

Learn more about how we work with you to make your ERG program a success.

Learn More About ERG Leader Experiential Training

72%

of companies “express transformative DEI aspirations,” but only 47% have the infrastructure.

(McKinsey)

26%

of workers say their workplace has affinity groups or ERGs based on a shared identity.

(Pew Research Center)

151 Years

At the current rate, it will take 151 years to close the global economic gender gap at all levels.

(Global Gender Gap Report 2022)

Indian white collar male worker in wheelchair having cheerful discussion leading conversation with colleague in creative office workstation beside window - disability inclusion

Unlocking Potential: The Vital Role of ERG Leadership in Overcoming Organizational Challenges

Despite the growing awareness and adoption of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in modern workplaces, numerous organizations encounter hurdles in fully harnessing their potential. Many face a shortage of necessary know-how, limited bandwidth among existing leaders, and a pervasive lack of engagement. This is where the importance of ERG leadership becomes paramount. Skilled ERG leaders possess the vision, expertise, and dedication needed to navigate these challenges effectively. They serve as catalysts for change, leveraging their insights to drive engagement, build bridges between diverse groups, and advocate for meaningful initiatives. By empowering ERG leaders, organizations can tap into a wealth of untapped talent, foster a culture of inclusivity, and propel themselves towards sustainable growth and success.

ERG Leader Experiential Learning Program:

Workshop I:
Strategy & Impact

  • Understand the importance of strategic planning in enhancing the effectiveness and impact of ERGs.
  • Align ERG strategies with organizational goals to maximize impact and relevance.
  • Assess the current state of an ERG and identify areas for improvement through strategy.
  • Gain proficiency in setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals to drive outcomes.
  • Explore best practices for monitoring/evaluating strategies to ensure continuous improvement and sustainability.
  • Learn how to adapt and pivot strategies based on changing organizational needs and external factors.
  • Collaborate with peers to exchange insights, experiences, and innovative approaches to planning.

Workshop II:
Member Engagement & Sustainability

  • Understand the significance of member engagement.
  • Review strategies to increase member participation and commitment.
  • Learn strategies for overcoming common challenges, including leadership buy-in, budget constraints, member burn-out, and promoting ERG events.
  • Review the anatomy of a high-impact ERG Engagement Plan to identify and develop programs and initiatives that resonate with ERG members.
  • Review how a highly effective communications plan can increase the visibility of the ERG’s events and accomplishments.
  • Apply knowledge gained to develop an engagement and communication plan that aligns with ERG goals and objectives (utilizing the customized handbook and engagement & communication planning templates).

Additional learning touchpoints include:

  • Self-Paced Microlessons
    • Module I: Inclusive Leadership
    • Module II: Cultural Competency
    • Module III: On Being an Ally
  • Access to the ERG Knowledge Bank
    • Includes access to Elevated Diversity’s equity and inclusion-focused tools and resources
  • Office Hours
    • Executive coaching time with Megan Karsh to be used for any ERG leader seeking individualized support

Leading Organizations Like These Partner With Elevated Diversity.

Additional ERG Training & Service Offerings

DEI Council & ERGs

DEI Councils, ERGs, and BRGs are increasingly common in today’s workplaces, with over 90% of Fortune 500 companies offering these employee-led groups. These groups yield substantial ROI, both tangibly and intangibly.

With diverse offerings like Equity Councils, Inclusion Councils, Emerging Women Leaders, First Generation College Graduates, and Advocates for Sustainability, well-executed ERGs notably boost employee engagement, bolster diversity recruitment, and foster leadership development. Aligned with organizational objectives, they are pivotal in cultivating diverse and inclusive work environments.

ERG Executive Sponsor Training

The effectiveness of an ERG Executive Sponsor can greatly impact the success or lack thereof for an ERG. But many Executive Sponsors share that they don’t know how much to lead or if they should simply provide guidance when asked.

The Elevated ERG Executive Sponsor program empowers leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support and champion Employee Resource Groups within your organization. This program offers a comprehensive curriculum focused on enhancing executive sponsors’ understanding of ERGs, fostering inclusive leadership practices, and maximizing impact.

Explore More DEI Training Programs

Understanding the Language of DEI
There is considerable misunderstanding in today’s workplace regarding DEI related terminology and language usage. From pronouns to racial descriptions (Latina vs. Latinx, Black or African American, gay or queer), our need for greater understanding of this space has grown significantly over the last few years.
Learn more about Understanding the Language of DEI
Self-Awareness in the Workplace & Beyond
Understanding unconscious bias requires a sense of awareness of workplace dynamics as well as one’s own perspectives and views. By learning strategies designed to mitigate bias, leaders and employees can foster more productive teams, more effective leadership, and more inclusive cultures.
Learn more about Self-Awareness in the Workplace & Beyond
Understanding Inclusive Leadership
Explore today's most critical insights on inclusive leadership and learn strategies for creating collaborative teams which achieve optimal business outcomes.
Learn more about Understanding Inclusive Leadership
Inclusive Recruiting
Inclusive recruitment is a core skill for human resources professionals as well as hiring managers; from resume review to candidate onboarding.
Learn more about Inclusive Recruiting
How to Authentically Create an Anti-Racist Workplace
Learn to create an "anti-racism" workplace where employees feel respected & engaged; for improved communications, collaboration and performance.
Learn more about How to Authentically Create an Anti-Racist Workplace
On Being an Ally
Allyship is the practice of using one’s position of power or privilege to support and uplift others for the greater good. Understanding the do’s and the don’ts — are all part of the allyship journey.
Learn more about On Being an Ally
Becoming Comfortable with the Uncomfortable: Managing Difficult Conversations
Being able to effectively manage difficult conversations is a critical business skill - especially when those conversations may involve matters related to race, gender, or ethnicity. With changing workplace demographics, the ability to effectively discuss matters once considered taboo in the work environment will continue to become more prevalent, commonplace, and necessary.
Learn more about Managing Difficult Conversations
Inclusion for All: Recognizing the Differently-Abled in the Workplace
If your organization does not have a tangible and actionable strategy to address disability inclusion, you could be excluding over 20% of American adults.
Learn more about Recognizing the Differently-Abled in the Workplace
Disability Awareness
Unsure where to begin with disability hiring, awareness, and/or support? We can be your starting point! All of our course offerings are available for individual sessions or topics can be combined for powerful day(s) of training.
Learn more about Disability Awareness
Effective ERG Executive Sponsors
The effectiveness of an ERG Executive Sponsor can greatly impact the success or lack thereof for an ERG. But many Executive Sponsors share that they don’t know how much to lead or if they should simply provide guidance when asked.
Learn more about Effective ERG Executive Sponsors
Recognizing & Handling Microaggressions in the Workplace
Understanding what microaggressions are and how they are manifested in the workplace is the first step in mitigating damage to the organizational culture and team dynamics.
Learn more about Recognizing & Handling Microaggressions in the Workplace
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