ERG programs can be incredibly rewarding, but they can also be a significant source of stress and burnout for leaders. In this blog post, we'll explore how ERG Program Managers can combat burnout among their leaders:

Focus on the program's mission and vision. It's important for ERG leaders to understand the "why" behind their work, and to see how their program fits into the bigger picture. Helping leaders connect with the program's long-term goals and impact on the broader world can help reignite their passion and drive.

Reinvigorate your leaders' passion. ERG leaders are often passionate about the work they do, and reminding them of why they started can help them rediscover their motivation. Consider sharing examples of other ERG programs that are doing great work, or inviting leaders to take on personal action items to help "big dream" for their program.

Use data and goals to stay focused. Establishing clear goals and metrics for the ERG program, as well as for individual ERG leaders, can help keep everyone focused and motivated. Consider setting annual focuses (such as OKRs) that are measurable and achievable, and be sure to establish clear roles and responsibilities to ensure everyone knows what they're working towards. Bonus: by using data to track progress, you can give leaders a clear number to aim for and even include in their performance reviews.

Establish clear processes and structure. It's important to establish clear, repeatable processes that make it easy for ERG leaders to execute their work without feeling overwhelmed. Consider creating a standard operating procedure (SOP) that covers all the necessary steps and answers questions up front. This will help ensure that ERG activities don't consume an excessive amount of time, and that everything runs smoothly.

Allow ERG leaders to step down gracefully. Sometimes, life circumstances may prevent ERG leaders from being able to devote as much time and energy to their role as they once were able to. In these cases, it can be helpful to have a clear succession plan in place to facilitate a smooth transition of the leadership role to a new individual. This not only allows the outgoing leader to exit with peace of mind, but it also helps to inject fresh perspective and new energy into the ERG program, ensuring its continued success and growth.

Combating burnout among ERG leaders is no small feat, but it's an important one. By focusing on the program's mission and vision, reigniting passion, using data and goals, establishing clear processes and structure, and bringing on new leaders, ERG program managers can help keep their programs running smoothly and their leaders motivated and engaged.