January 2025
Leadership is a choice, not a rank

Some leadership roles are defined by a job title or place in the organisational hierarchy – they have ‘positional power’
Disability ERG/Network leaders hold one of the most important leadership positions in an organisation, representing the interests of up to 20% of the workforce and with insights into the increasing expectations and demands of up to 20% of customers.
Yet, the majority of ERG/Network leaders are volunteers working in a role that requires them to engage and influence colleagues from across the organisation. In doing so, they often have to navigate deep seated human resistors to disability such as low expectation, stereotypes, stigma, fear or simply a lack of interest.
As author Simon Sinek reminds us, leadership is not just a rank, it is a choice: a mindset and set of behaviours that you can choose, and develop, for yourself.
This month we encourage you to consider:
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Who in the organization do you need to influence in order to create a more inclusive working world for your colleagues with disabilities?
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What leadership traits do you deploy to create trust and encourage others to follow your lead?
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How do you handle disagreements or resistance to your ideas?
Influential Leadership Masterclass
During this interactive one-hour virtual masterclass, disability ERG/Network leaders will have the chance to reflect on their existing strengths and areas for development. We will:
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Consider the difference between ‘authority’ and ‘influence’
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Learn how to influence successfully without formal power.
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Explore the deep-seated human resistors that disability ERG/Network leaders encounter when influencing others
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Discuss what happens when influencing isn't successful.
We have two sessions to choose from:
The ERG Global Strategic Forum is Chaired by PurpleSpace Ambassador International ERG leader at Eli Lilly and Company, Darren Rowan.
The Forum supports PurpleSpace’s strategic goal to drive the global growth of the disability ERG movement and meets on 16 January at 16:00 GMT / 11:00 EDT.
For more information contact kirstie@purplespace.org
PurpleSpace and External Useful Resources:
Tap into our Networkology know-how and check out some of the external learning that links to this month’s leadership lesson:
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Positively Purple: Build an Inclusive World Where People with Disabilities Can Flourish’ by Kate Nash OBE. Each member organisation will receive a copy of Kate’s book. Please let your Member Coach know if there has been a change in your ERG/Network leadership and we will arrange a new copy to be sent.
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Strategy on a Page (SOAP): Our tried and tested template to help you create an overarching strategy for your ERG/Network that can be easily communicated and understood.
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Spotlight On.....Darren Rowan, Eli Lilly. In this interview, Darren talks about the leadership traits he leans into as a Global ERG leader, such as authenticity, creativity, resilience, having a global mindset and being diplomatic, whilst maintaining a sense of humour.
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Working to Purpose: Explaining the role the ERG/Network can fulfil in enabling the business to deliver its disability confident business objectives and helping you to position the ERG/Network as a vehicle for change.
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How great leaders inspire action – Simon Sinek video session.