Let’s face it, creating sustained impact as a disability ERG/Network leader from the side of your desk was never going to be easy. 

The most impactful disability ERG/Network leaders understand that change will only happen by working collaboratively with other ERG/Network leaders and key stakeholders from across the business. 

As the saying goes, ‘if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together’.

For many disability ERG/Network leaders, the opportunity to collaborate with other ERGs/Networks enables them to tackle areas of shared challenge and accelerate the progress of their network.

As Anglo American’s Inclusion & Diversity Advisor, Adrian Hyyrylainen-Trett reminds us “network leaders have much to learn from each other” and in many organisations, formal structures (owned by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) team) now exist to bring ERG/Network leads together. 

Creating flow between the ‘Magic Trio’

The relationship between disability ERG/Network leaders, the DEI team and executive sponsor is the cornerstone of any disability ERG/Network stakeholder relationship. We call this the ‘Magic Trio’. 

In some organisations, the Magic Trio form part of an organisation’s disability steering committee or equivalent, in others, the relationship is less formal. 

Either way, a productive relationship between these stakeholders creates the conditions for a disability ERG/Network to thrive.

This month, we encourage you to consider:

• Who are your key allies, champions and customers and how do you influence them?
• How do you collaborate with other ERG/Networks to make meaningful progress on areas of shared challenge? 
• Do you take responsibility for the quality of relationship between members of the ‘magic trio’?

New resource

This month we publish our latest resource on how the most impactful disability ERG/Network leaders are collaborating with their organisations to create a disability inclusive future of work.

The resource will explore how disability ERG/Network leaders around the world are supporting their organisations to ensure the experiences of colleagues with disabilities are anticipated and accommodated in relation to some of the ‘mega trends’ facing businesses today. From new ways of working post-pandemic to sustainability and digital transformation.

Peer Leadership Roundtables

One of the most valuable aspects of PurpleSpace membership is the opportunity to build your leadership capacity via quality conversation with other disability ERG/Network leaders.

Each month we convene groups of disability ERG/Network leaders to stimulate discussion on the issues that matter most to our members.

Connect with your peers during these interactive one-hour sessions for disability ERG/Network leaders. These sessions are a great way to share good practice and challenges, swap ideas and build your ERG/Network leadership capacity. 

We have two sessions to choose from to explore the key to effective collaboration:

• 4 May 08:00 – 09:00 GMT (19:00 – 20:00 ACT)

• 17 May 16:00 – 17:00 GMT (11:00 – 12:00 AST)

Resources and Recommendations 

Tap into our Networkology know-how that links into this month’s leadership lesson: 

• 9 Top Tips in Disability ERG/Network Leadership – helping to put the very best ‘you’ into your leadership role
• When the Stars Align – Podcast with Phil Friend and Tobi Collett
• In-company networks / resource groups working together: Briefing