To be a Successful ERG Executive Sponsor, Do This

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During my tenure as the Global Lead for a Latinx ERG, an executive sponsor encouraged me to showcase the success story of a specific Latinx employee. Inspired by this suggestion, I traveled across the country hosting “Oprah-style” interviews with a diverse group of up-and-coming Latinx talent. I named the series "Spotlight on Latinx Excellence," and I am proud to share that those featured in the series went on to have highly successful careers.

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Curious to know why this was such a great idea?

• It gave visibility to rising talent.
• It provided emerging talent with role models they could leverage as mentors.
• It boosted the confidence of those interviewed.
• It informed the rest of the company that the Latinx community was doing great things.
• It offered something unique beyond the usual Taco Tuesdays and Salsa lessons.

That executive sponsor and I accomplished many great things together. At one point, I wanted to create opportunities for members to connect with influential company leaders from historically excluded backgrounds. We organized member-only sessions where leaders shared their career journeys, answered questions, and revealed personal insights. These interviews received fantastic feedback from our members and offered invaluable advice and guidance from leaders who shared our backgrounds.

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If you are an executive sponsor for an ERG, here are a few more things you can do to show up for your ERG:

1. Gain a deep understanding of your members' needs and hopes. Understand the top 3-5 issues your members care about and understand those issues deeply. For instance, if your ERG members express concerns about unequal career advancement, analyze the data, be clear on the root causes, and become a trusted authority on the subject, educating others along the way.
2. Champion your ERG in all spaces. Once you grasp the needs and aspirations of your ERG, leverage that understanding to advocate effectively on their behalf. While it's ideal to have ERG members tell their own stories, the reality is they won't always be included in every discussion. In those instances, use your voice, privilege, power, and influence to amplify their concerns and advocate for their interests.
3. Take on the role of sponsor for ERG leaders and members. Many ERG leaders are early to mid-level career professionals with somewhat limited exposure to senior leadership. Seize the opportunity not only to advocate for the ERG but also for the exceptional individuals you come to know and trust. ERG leaders who foster community, organize impactful events, and manage teams have the potential to excel as organizational leaders. Recognize their talent and champion them in broader contexts.
4. Be invested in your ERG and build trust with its members. As an Executive Sponsor, recognize the responsibility you hold. Establish a consistent meeting schedule with your ERG leadership team, actively engage in member meetings and events, and consistently demonstrate your dedication to their priorities. Embrace vulnerability by admitting when you lack understanding or knowledge. Folks are going to be much more inclined to trust you when you show up authentically and transparently. 
5. Honor the sanctity of ERG spaces. ERGs are sometimes the only safe spaces employees experience, so approach them thoughtfully and avoid taking up too much space. Check your privilege and power at the door. Instead, come prepared to listen, learn, and broaden your understanding of diverse experiences. 

In my view, the role of an executive sponsor involves using power and influence to champion the goals of the ERG, while also committing to ongoing learning. Executive sponsors can have a profound impact on both the success of an ERG and the professional experience of its members. If you step into this pivotal role, commit wholeheartedly, seek knowledge and understanding, and take satisfaction in seeing the community thrive while you grow in your role as an inclusive leader.