What is a Leaders Resource Group?
A Leaders Resource Group (LRG) is a member led group that serves as a resource for company leaders to help them strengthen their ability to foster an inclusive and engaged workplace and deliver sustainable results that align with their organizational mission, values and goals.
A LRG provides resources for professional development, promotes a learning environment and establishes a network of people who share common experiences.
Historically, companies have started resource groups for minorities and women in an effort to strengthen understanding and diversity in their organization. Many have launched additional groups that include LGBT, veterans and other communities that share common interest. As these groups have matured, the resource group model has proven itself a viable vehicle for interaction and learning.
The Leader Resource Group (LRG) model leverages the success factors of a traditional resource group to provide a revolutionary approach to leadership learning and development. An LRG is the perfect forum for leaders to share experiences and learn how to strengthen their leadership skills. The approach increases knowledge retention, makes learning seem easier, is more cost effective than traditional training and provides the added benefit of strengthening teamwork among company leaders. It’s a low-cost approach and most LRGs can be launched using existing company resources. Best of all, an LRG exposes leaders to topics that are relevant, timely and critical to success.
Launching a Leader Resource Group
The purpose of a Leaders Resource Group (LRG) is to provide a forum for leaders to broaden their understanding of issues facing today’s workforce. During 2-hour monthly sessions leaders learn basic leadership tools and skills to strengthen their ability to facilitate an inclusive work environment that deliver results.
Guidelines for the LRG should be developed and include:
- LRG Group name and mission
- Target membership
- Guidelines for meetings, logistics and activities
- Group structure and roles and responsibilities (including executive sponsor)
- Funding
- Communication and feedback
- Measures of Success
To minimize cost and maximize effectiveness, the 2-hour session can include a working lunch and some networking time to strengthen teamwork and collaboration among the leadership team.
Suggested Group Events & Topics
Leader Resource Group (LRG) events should occur monthly, focus on pertinent topics, engage leaders in meaningful conversation and provide a forum for identifying and sharing best practices.
Monthly topics should be selected by group members based on current organizational challenges and can include visiting speakers, book discussions, tool workshops, panel discussions and other activities that encourage participation and discussion.
A Few Suggested Topics:
- Decision-making tools for fairness and equity
- Overcoming bias in decisions
- Equity in employee development
- Actions the build trust
- Tools to strengthen inclusion
- Respect, value and appreciation
- Communicating with purpose
- Leading effective change
It’s important that the events are engaging and interactive and allow for open sharing of ideas and best practices.
Need help Launching a Leader Resource Group. Contact Gianna to get started.