Accidental leadership: I, too, I’m a leader (Speaker: Philip Wilkerson)
I’ve had the great fortune of leading the Black Male Faculty and Staff Employer Resource Group for over three years. This experience has taught me what it truly means to be a leader. Through this role, I have honed essential professional skills, including strategic planning, marketing, communication outreach, and delegation.
Leading an employer resource group (ERG) provides a unique platform for personal and professional growth. It offers the opportunity to build and foster community, advocate for underrepresented groups, and drive meaningful organizational change. As the lead, you must develop a strategic vision, organize events, and facilitate discussions that address your members’ needs and concerns. This requires strong organizational and communication skills and the ability to inspire and motivate others.
During this session, attendees will learn how to leverage their volunteer experience to develop their leadership skills, particularly in leading an ERG or affinity group. They will discover how these roles can enhance their ability to manage projects, lead teams, and influence organizational culture. By transferring the skills gained through ERG leadership to their professional roles, attendees can significantly advance their careers and contribute to a more inclusive workplace.
A/V requirements: None