The Essential Employee Resource Group Structure: Co Chair(s)
Co-Chairs, also known as co-presidents, play a crucial role in the effective management and execution of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). They are responsible for ensuring smooth operations, cascading information from the ERG, D&I program manager to the rest of the leadership team and vice versa, and holding team members accountable to their roles and metrics.
As the most visible role within an ERG, Co-Chairs are expected to lead, support, and represent the group. They lead by setting the standard and managing the performance of the rest of the ERG leadership team. They support the team by providing feedback, advice, and encouragement when needed. They represent the ERG by being the first point of contact for stakeholders who reach out to the program.
Standard Operating Procedures for Co-Chairs
To ensure that Co-Chairs effectively fulfill their role, it is important to have a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) document in place that outlines their procedures.Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are an essential document in any organization as they provide clear guidelines on how to perform specific tasks, processes, and responsibilities. For ERG Co-Chairs, the SOP is crucial in ensuring the smooth operation of the ERG and ensuring accountability among the leadership team.
The SOP document for the ERG co-chair role should be comprehensive and well-structured. It should include a clear definition of the role, responsibilities, and duties of the Co-Chairs. This section should provide a comprehensive overview of what the Co-Chairs are expected to do and how they should do it.
One of the key components of the SOP for ERG Co-Chairs is the hosting of leadership meetings. The SOP should outline the steps involved in hosting effective leadership meetings, including setting the agenda, determining the location, and ensuring that all leaders are present and engaged. The SOP should also include a section on how to communicate with the ERG leadership team regularly to keep them informed of any updates or changes in the ERG.
The SOP for ERG Co-Chairs should also include a section on how to represent the ERG. The Co-Chairs are the most visible role in the ERG, and they are often the first point of contact when stakeholders reach out to the ERG program. The SOP should outline the steps the Co-Chairs should take when representing the ERG, including how to communicate with executives and stakeholders, and how to maintain a positive image of the ERG.
Another important component of the SOP is the reporting structure. The Co-Chairs are responsible for ensuring that the ERG is meeting its metrics and goals, and the SOP should outline the metrics that the Co-Chairs will use to hold the leadership team accountable. The metrics should be divided into input metrics and output metrics.
Input & Output Metrics for Co-Chairs
Input metrics are metrics that measure the activities and actions of the Co-Chairs and the leadership team. Examples of input metrics include the number of check-in meetings with the ERG leadership team, the number of leadership meetings held, and the number of tasks completed by the leadership team.
Output metrics, on the other hand, are metrics that measure the results of the actions taken by the Co-Chairs and the leadership team. Examples of output metrics include the completion rate of the ERG report card and the level of engagement among the ERG members.
By having a clear SOP in place and tracking both input and output metrics, Co-Chairs can fulfill their role effectively and ensure the success of their ERG.