Mastering Dual Roles: Successfully Balancing ERG Leadership and Your Day?Job
Lola Adeyemo
Helping HR & DEI Leaders Develop High-Impact ERGs That Drive Employee Engagement and Retention | Trusted by 20+ Organizations
Being an Employee Resource Group (ERG) leader is rewarding and impactful, as ERGs contribute significantly to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within organizations. However, the journey of an ERG leader involves a constant balancing act between their ERG leadership responsibilities and their day job. This article delves into the challenges ERG leaders face and offers strategies for successfully navigating this dual role, ultimately positively impacting the ERG's success and the individual’s professional growth.
Top 3 Challenges of Taking on an ERG Leadership Role
1. Time Constraints: The need to juggle day-to-day job responsibilities alongside ERG tasks and events often leads to time constraints. Balancing two demanding roles within the same time frame can become overwhelming.
2. Competing Priorities: ERG leaders must navigate the demands of their primary job and the commitments of their leadership role, which can result in competing priorities. This challenge could lead to stress and, overall, diminished effectiveness in meeting the goals for both roles.
3. Health Drain: Assuming the responsibilities of an ERG leader alongside a day job can lead to feeling overwhelmed and, if not managed effectively, eventual burnout. This can impact physical, mental, and emotional well-being, potentially affecting performance in both areas.
Strategies for Mastering the Dual?Roles
1. Plan and Prioritize: Develop a comprehensive plan that outlines day job responsibilities, ERG commitments, and personal obligations. Prioritize tasks based on their urgency and impact to maintain focus.
2. Set Realistic Goals: Define achievable goals for your day job and ERG leadership. Strive to strike a balance that ensures you’re not overcommitting yourself.
3. Time Management: Harness time management techniques like creating schedules, employing time blocks for different tasks, and utilizing productivity tools to maximize efficiency.
4. Delegate and Collaborate: Empower ERG team members by delegating tasks that align with their strengths. Foster a collaborative environment where tasks are shared and responsibilities are distributed effectively.
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5. Transparent Communication: Engage in open conversations about your ERG involvement with your supervisor. Share insights on your commitments, challenges, and how your ERG role contributes to your professional growth.
6. Leverage Synergies: Identify connections between your ERG leadership and day job. Utilize skills acquired from one role to enhance performance in the other, promoting efficiency.
7. Flexibility and Balance: Seek flexibility where possible, such as flexible work hours or remote work arrangements during intense ERG periods, to manage both roles effectively.
8. Self-Care Rituals: Prioritize self-care by incorporating regular breaks, exercise, and mindfulness practices into your routine. A well-rested mind is better equipped to manage dual responsibilities.
9. Reflect and Adjust: Regularly assess your progress and adapt your strategy accordingly. Recognize that not everything can be managed perfectly, and taking breaks when needed is acceptable.
10. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek advice or assistance from mentors, peers, or fellow ERG leaders. Connecting with others who’ve faced similar challenges can provide valuable insights.
In conclusion, balancing ERG leadership and a day job is undoubtedly complex. However, ERG leaders can excel in both capacities with determination and strategic planning. Achieving harmony between these roles not only propels personal growth but also contributes to creating an inclusive, empowered workplace for all. By implementing these strategies, ERG leaders can effectively navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by their dual responsibilities.
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Human being| Creative communicator| Facilitator of difficult conversations| Inclusion strategist| Culture transformation leader|
1 年De'Andre S. Holmes, MFA
Senior Managing Director
1 年Lola Adeyemo Thank you for sharing this insightful post. I found it to be very informative and thought-provoking.
Manager, People Programs at GHJ
1 年Great article, Lola!
Workplace strategist | Work psychologist | Mentor | Inclusive Design | Director at Workwell PEOPLE | CLIMATE | SOCIETY
1 年Thanks, good article Lola Adeyemo What are your thoughts on monetary compensation (eg a bonus) for ERG leaders or officially assigning say 10% of their time and role to their ERG activities?
C-Suite Executive Welltech, Finance, Media, Sport, Beverage Industries | Entrepreneurial Director with passion for Building Brands across diverse markets | Proven Strategic Leadership & Brand Building
1 年Well shared ??ERG leaders must navigate the demands of their primary job and the commitments of their leadership role, which can result in competing priorities..Develop a comprehensive plan that outlines day job responsibilities, ERG commitments, and personal obligations.