Guidelines and Resources

“Strategy without tactic is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat ” - Sun Tzu

While we don't think of Employee Resource Groups in the context of the military, the words above from The Art of War are relevant when taking on any new endeavor. Simply put, if you know what result you want but don't have the process to get there, you will reach your goal, but it will be a more prolonged and more painful process than necessary. And on the contrary, if you do not have an outcome in mind and are simply "going through the motions", you will fail. 

The resources below are intended to help establish your group's strategy and avoid the “noise before defeat” by guiding you in creating a tactical plan to build a successful ERG. 

ERG Leaders should draft the group's mission, goals, and activities to assist in securing an Executive Sponsor and initially recruiting members. Members should have the option to give input before these documents are submitted. Provide members with specific avenues for providing feedback, time/s for collaboration, and a deadline. It will be important to submit all information in a timely manner so that the real work of the ERG can begin. Charters should be reviewed and updated annually so keep this in mind when deciding on what to submit. An idea that may not be feasible one year, could very well be possible the next year. Use the "Facilitating Meetings" and "Conflict Management" pages to work through this initial and important activity. 

Recruiting Members

Creating a Mission Statement

Creating a Charter

Executive Sponsor Resources

Ideas for Activities

Budgeting

Facilitating Meetings

Conflict Management