The Art of Gaining Collaborators for an ERG
You are starting an ERG–and you may be starting this journey alone. You and I both know you’ll get a lot further with internal support, though. You’ll need to reach out to folks and find various types of support. You’re looking for people who will:
Want to co-lead the ERG
Want to join the ERG
Champion the cause/group
As you search for these groups of people, you’ll need to prioritize your list of folks to reach out to and start contacting them. Before you draft your first email, think about the last email you got requesting your help or to join a group.
How did it feel to receive that email?
What did you do when you got it?
Do you get asked to be part of groups often?
Were you feeling stretched thin?
Were you excited to feel like someone wants your expertise?
Think about what kind of email it would take for you to receive this type of request well. And if you would push any email like this aside, consider other ways you can reach out to some folks Email may not be the best venue for a request.
No matter what, the art of asking someone for help with an ERG is a political, social, and emotional act.
Political because you may be asking someone to help support the creation of ERGs within your organization and that’s an undertaking that is important and linked to building a more inclusive environment. When someone says no, it can feel like they are saying no to an environment that prioritizes your well-being. Remember our places of work weren’t created to support our well-being. They were created to get the most out of each worker and optimize profits.
Your ask is social because this is about building relationships with your colleagues and those who might be “higher up” within the organization. Remember: Sometimes, you need to get to know folks (better) before making requests of them. This can help with the timing if you are getting to know someone and they are telling you how full their plate is. Listen for when they expect things to slow down. That might be a better time to ask.
This ask is emotional. You care deeply about this ERG. Of course, it’s going to feel emotional to ask those around you to support the initiative you’re leading. Asking for help and putting yourself out there can be difficult – and you can do it! Remember: the process of building an ERG is as important as the outcome. Pay attention to what feels hard and what feels easy as you’re going through this process. If reaching out for help to find sponsors or fellow leadership is hard, that’s okay. There will be other pieces that come easier.
I want to support you as you reach out to folks for support. I have a nifty handout that breaks down the steps and nuance of reaching out to folks even more.. You can get the handout here.
