My first exposure to an employee resource group (ERG) was in 19XX. It was the summer between my junior and senior year in college and I was a Sales Intern with Procter & Gamble (P&G). It wasn’t called an employee resource group back then, but that’s just what it was.

That summer, P&G held its first ever Black Sales Initiative at its HQ in Cincinnati. When I tell you it was AMAZING, it was AMAZING!! Seeing all of these professionals, who looked like me, come together for support, camaraderie, and professional development, I knew this was a company I wanted to work for. 

Out of this initiative grew Black Sales Caucuses all over the country. Our St. Louis Caucus consisted of Black sales professionals from St. Louis, Indianapolis, Padukah KY, Kansas City, Oklahoma City, and anywhere in between. We met quarterly and it was a wonderful experience for me, especially as a twenty something professional.

As time has moved on, I’ve been pleased to see how many employers now embrace the notion of ERGs. While not all have been successful, no matter what demographic you may fall within, there are certainly many positives to be gained from participating in them. And, in most organizations, you don’t have to fit the descriptions in the ERG’s title to join and participate!

So, what is there to be gained by participating? Well, I’m glad you asked. Check out my list below of benefits.

1. Exposure. Too often, employees feel like they aren’t seen or heard in their organization. This is sometimes because we choose to just “do our work and go home.” While spending more time with colleagues isn’t always ideal, it’s critical for career success. By participating in ERGs within your organization, it can begin to get your name out in the organizational marketplace which can cause people to take notice.
2. Access to decision makers. One of the biggest hurdles for professionals in their careers is finding and securing mentors and sponsors. Since most, if not all, ERGs have at least one executive sponsor for their group, being active in ERGs can give you positive exposure to decision makers which could lead to mentoring and sponsorship opportunities.
3. Leadership and professional development opportunities. If you need leadership experience to help you advance your career, why not become a leader within an ERG? While it’s not the same as direct people management experience, it can give you leadership opportunities you may not otherwise receive. In addition, you can further sharpen your professional speaking, project management, team building, problem solving, and decision making skills too.
4. Build your internal brand and relationships. There’s an old saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” Not true. “It’s not what you know, it’s not who you know, it’s WHO KNOWS YOU?” that counts. I know President Joe Biden, but he doesn’t know me so knowing him does me no good! When you are active in ERGs, you gain numerous opportunities to get to know others throughout your organization and showcase your abilities. You never know when these associations can open doors for new opportunities or provide you with good internal intel!
5. Expand your horizons. If you’re feeling bored or unchallenged in your work, an ERG may give you the opportunity to stretch yourself, use your creativity, and gain the knowledge you need to open new doors.

One key trait of any successful leader is having and keeping an open mind. ERG’s are GREAT ways to learn and grow. Take advantage of the opportunities that may be available in your organization. You never know where it may lead you!

Until next time….