Many ERGs have a Finance Lead role. However, after working with numerous ERGs and observing the challenges and successes, I’ve reimagined this role into something more impactful: the Member Engagement Lead. Here’s my take on the Finance Lead role and why this transformation is necessary for a thriving ERG.

Why I Wanted to Rethink This Role

In a team, it’s crucial for everyone to know their role and play their part. The Finance Lead role often boiled down to procurement and expensing, which, while necessary, wasn’t very engaging. Many ERGs don’t have a lot of expenses, and challenging leads to spend even once a month has been tough. This often leaves Finance Leads with little to do, which isn’t fair when ERG Leaders are recognized equally. Where’s the equity in that?

There are cases where Finance Leads end up doing a lot, but this usually happens when leadership roles aren’t clear, forcing them to take on all responsibilities. This imbalance is a sign of a weak and unenforced leadership structure.

Finance Leads are tasked with a time-consuming job with no creative aspects. If you’re passionate about a community, managing finances probably won’t ignite that passion. They can skip meetings and still perform their role efficiently. I believe all ERG Leads should have creative liberties and ideation in their roles to stay connected and enthusiastic. But how does that fit with the finance role?

Rethinking ERG Finances

ERG finances are often mismanaged, with money wasted on unengaging speakers or donated to popular charities at year-end. Better financial management should be a Finance Lead responsibility.

However, the Finance Lead should not determine speakers or event programming since that’s the Event Lead’s job. We don’t want role overlap. Instead, the Finance Lead should manage financial elements outside of events (live engagement opportunities), which I call Activities (non-live engagement opportunities).

Activities Lead: A New Approach

Activities are often underutilized in ERGs. Many leaders assume that members need to attend live events to be engaged, but that’s not true. People want to be involved on their own terms, which is fair and reflects current employee trends.

Activities Leads should create opportunities for budget spending that enhance member engagement. This could mean rewarding members for participating or using the budget to enhance their engagement. It’s essential to shift from using the budget solely for events to tying it directly to member engagement.

Benefits of the New Role

1. Clear Understanding: A defined role that directly impacts ERG and program goals. With a clear mandate, the Member Engagement Lead knows exactly what is expected and can measure their success against tangible outcomes.
2. Creativity: Allows for creative ideation, increasing connection to the ERG. This role can involve brainstorming new engagement strategies, crafting unique initiatives, and bringing fresh ideas to the table.
3. Better Budget Use: More effective use of the budget. Instead of last-minute spending, the budget can be planned and utilized throughout the year to continuously engage members.
4. Consistent Engagement: More opportunities for members to get involved, especially outside of meetings. This role creates varied engagement opportunities that cater to different interests and availability, ensuring all members feel included.
5. Balanced Workload: Increases responsibilities without overwhelming, promoting equitable recognition. By distributing tasks more evenly and incorporating elements of creativity and planning, the role becomes more fulfilling and balanced.

Consider this pivot. Chances are, your budget is being misused, and members aren’t as engaged as they could be. Rethinking the Finance Lead role into a Member Engagement Lead can lead to a more balanced, effective, and engaging ERG structure. This transformation not only enhances the role’s impact but also aligns better with the dynamic needs of modern ERG members.

If you need assistance with your processes, reach out to us at info@theergmovement.com. Interested in revamping your ERG program in 90 days or less? Learn more about our ERG Fresh Start Program here.

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