Round 2BTALENT / CAREER / CULTURE:

ERG Leadership Strategies for Project Management

Speakers� Eddie Adkins / Partner, Washington National Tax Office / Grant

Thornton (Former sponsor, Equality GT—LGBT & Allies)�Michelle Rosario Liang / Global Program Manager / Mercer

Inc (Marsh Asian Colleague Resource Group)

Facilitator• Wendy Amengual Wark / Founder / Inclusion Strategy

2B. TALENT / CAREER / CULTURE:ERG Leadership Strategies for Project Management

Grant Thornton LLP� International audit, tax and advisory firm

� 59 offices across the U.S.

� Approximately 8,000 employees and partners

The Challenge We Faced� Grant Thornton's LGBT ERG formed a few years ago

� Struggled to engage members and become active

Things Changed� 12 Grant Thornton individuals attended October 2015 Out & Equal Workplace

Summit� From across the country� Did not previously know each other

� Left Out & Equal with tremendous sense of community, enthusiasm and energy to activate the ERG

What Happened at Out & Equal?� ERG executive sponsors

coordinated activities� Brought GT attendees together for

all meals and other social functions� Resulted in concentrated time

together

� GT attendees formed deep sense of community and commitment to work together to make a difference for LGBT colleagues

What Kept the Energy Alive? � One week after Out & Equal, executive sponsors hosted a conference call for the

attendees

� Purpose of call was to brainstorm ideas for activating the ERG to impact the firm

� Identified goals during the call� Developing and maintaining a sense of community� Building a group of allies� Creating recognition for Equality GT within Grant Thornton� Creating recognition for Equality GT outside Grant Thornton

What Helped Real Progress Be Made Towards the Goals? � With each goal category, identified specific action items� Captured all action items in a single document that became the key project

management tool� Document contains the following information for each action item:� Description� Detailed notes� Who is responsible for completion� Timeline

What Was the Single Most Important Action Item? � Establishing a monthly one-hour nationwide call for all members of Equality GT� Creates a forum for developing and maintaining a sense of community across

59 U.S. offices� Serves as a monthly check-in on Equality GT's progress in executing strategy� Responsibility for developing call agenda and leading the call rotates among

the 3 executive sponsors and several other individuals who have emerged as leaders� Keeps these individuals particularly engaged

What Else Has Contributed to Success? � Divide and conquer approach� When an individual voices willingness to lead, executive sponsors quickly give

them the opportunity to lead (e.g., putting them in charge of a particular initiative)

� Much more accomplished by having several individuals play leadership roles

What Initiatives Have Been Launched? � Developing and maintaining a sense of community� Monthly calls (consistently attended by nearly 100

individuals)� National in-person meeting in recognition of the fact that

monthly calls alone are insufficient to create a deep sense of community (held May 2016)� "Spring 2016 Strategy Summit"� Individuals asked to complete application to attend, including what

leadership role the individual would like to fill and vision for Equality GT (see Appendix for application questions)

� Application responses drove Summit content� 100% of attendees reported that the Summit met or exceeded

their expectations� Safe Space program (rollout this month)

What Initiatives Have Been Launched? (cont'd) � Building a group of allies

� Developed more formal approach to allies, including development of a formal description of an ally and a 100% increase in the number of allies

� Creating internal and external recognition

� Selection of a new name (Equality GT) through a voting process� Creation of a logo for Equality GT and branded materials such as polo

shirts and pens

� Decision to be a sponsor at Out & Equal for 2016, with strong financial support for doing so coming from key leaders within GT

What's Ahead? � October 2016 Out & Equal Workplace Summit� GT will have 27 attendees (up from 12)� Executive sponsors plan to once again coordinate activities so attendees are

together a great deal of time� Once again provides opportunity to create a bond and develop energy and

enthusiasm to take Equality GT to a higher and higher levels of accomplishment

Key Takeaways � Sense of community is very, very important

� Monthly one-hour all-hands call is a key to success

� Divide and conquer: allow people to lead

Appendix – Project management document sample

What? Details Who? When?

Developing and maintaining a sense of communityMonthly virtual meetings just to stay in touch and catch up with each other

We will put the call schedule and connection information on KSource so that interested individuals can participate. Use Global Crossing (800-851-3547) initially because it enables individuals who have not come out to listen without identifying themselves.

Individuals from People & Culture may participate based on the topics.

Andy Papp will set up the calls

Fridays are preferable (less interference with business travel and on-site client meetings); invitation will be a recurring event.

Appendix – Spring 2016 Strategy Summit application questions � Please briefly describe why you would like to attend the meeting.� What is your personal vision for Equality GT?� Would you like to take on a leadership role in Equality GT?� Please describe the role you believe you would be best suited for and why.

� Please share your thoughts regarding topics you would like to see on the meeting agenda.

� What key take-aways would you like to see from the meeting?

ERG Leadership Strategies in Project Management

Presented by Michelle Rosario Liang

� Introduction� The Triple Constraint � Scope/Quality

– Roadmap to a Successful Event� Cost/Resources

– Obtaining Support� Time/Schedule

– Time Management� Lessons Learned

Topics we will cover:

By understanding the Triple Constraint, we:

� Become a learning leader and an instant collaborator!

�Manage schedule wisely, obtain the right resources, and deliver quality

� Learn how to maintain focus even when team members have differing views

Introduction

Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan.

- Tom Landry

Believe in your vision, not in what you see…- Michelle Liang

The Triple Constraint

TIME/SCHEDULEActual time required to produce a deliverable

COST/RESOURCESEstimation of the amount of money or resources required for project completion

SCOPE/QUALITYFunctional elements that, when completed, make up the end deliverable for the project

The Triple Constraint

TIME/SCHEDULEActual time required to produce a deliverable

 The amount of TIME to produce the deliverable will be directly related to the amount of requirements for the end result (SCOPE) along with the amount of resources allocated to the project (COST)

 One cannot adjust or alter one side, without in effect altering the other sides

COST/RESOURCESEstimation of the amount of money or resources required for project completion

SCOPE/QUALITYFunctional elements that, when completed, make up the end deliverable for the project

Managing the Triple Constraint in ERGsScope/Quality Cost/Resources Time/Schedule

Gove

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� Guiding Principles� Global versus National� Team Brand

� Purpose/Goal� Topics� Key Messaging

� Annual Budget� Team Building� Membership Recruitment

and Retention

� Budget and estimates� Assigning volunteers� Miscellaneous Items/

Contingency Plans

� Term limits� Planning� Scorecards

� Event Timeline� Setting Expectations� Benefit Realization/Value

Capture

OUR FOCUS

Scope/Quality: Driver of the Outcome

� Purpose/Goal� Topics� Key Messaging

Key Considerations:¾ What are we trying to accomplish?¾ What are we talking about?¾ How do we plan to communicate the event or get to the point

in these discussions?

Cost Time Lessons

Prog

ram

s

Roadmap to a Successful Event

Conceptualize

Plan

Deliver

Recognize

Pitch

• Focus on goal• Rationalize • Learn interest

• Illustrate• Empower • Remain positive

• Listen • Anticipate• Have options

• Do your best• Have faith• Smile

• Appreciate• Acknowledge• Stay in touch

p

o

r

q

n

…Having an Idea, a Picture, and Key Resources

Note: Sample visuals here taken from the internet are for illustrative purpose only.

Cost/Resources: Making it Happen!

� Budget and estimates� Assigning volunteers� Miscellaneous Items/

Contingency Plans

Key Considerations:¾ Asking and having the foresight of what we can afford¾ Understanding the talents and letting leaders lead – “Divide

and Conquer”¾ Preparing for the unexpected

Cost Time Lessons

Prog

ram

s

Obtaining SupportExecutive Sponsor Support

• Schedule check-ins for updates

• Align with his/her vision

• Share your idea but do your homework first

• Give time to decide and suggest

• Reserve the event date on the calendar earlier on

• Seek guidance on protocols

• Request recommendations and referrals

• Ask for help

• Check their schedule

• Walk them through your idea –visual aid helps

• Anticipate questions

• Articulate the benefits or what success looks like in this type of event

• Ask who they recommend should be invited – they may be able to invite on your behalf

• Share your progress/planning developments

• Have a communication plan

• Be cognizant of the busy time of the year/month/week

• Be considerate of people’s time and availability

• Be conscientious of the email traffic

• Get them involved

• Ask for suggestions/ideas/ assistance

• Use official communication platform and tools

Leadership Commitment Colleague Engagement

Time/Schedule: Delivering a Positive Impact

� Event Timeline� Setting Expectations� Benefit

Realization/Value Capture

Key Considerations:¾ Time allotted for specific activity and intended audience¾ Surveys to understand impact and value¾ What’s in it for me?

Cost Time Lessons

Prog

ram

s

• Feedback• Attendance/Participation• Satisfaction Surveys• Colleague Engagement on Community

sites e.g. Salesforce Chatter

Time Management | Based on Findings

Lessons Learned –Tackle the ERG Triple Constraint

APPENDIX The following slides are meant to be helpful in setting up a structure for the ERG leadership or working team/s.

Plus more, key learnings…

Managing the Triple Constraint in ERGsScope/Quality Cost/Resources Time/Schedule

Gove

rnan

cePr

ogra

ms

� Guiding Principles� Global versus National� Team Brand

� Purpose/Goal� Topics� Key Messaging

� Annual Budget� Team Building� Membership Recruitment

and Retention

� Budget and estimates� Assigning volunteers� Miscellaneous Items/

Contingency Plans

� Term limits� Planning� Scorecards

� Event Timeline� Setting Expectations� Benefit Realization/Value

Capture

Lessons

Scope/Quality: Driver of the OutcomeScope/Quality

Cost/Resources Time

Gove

rnan

cePr

ogra

ms

� Guiding Principles� Global versus National� Team Brand

� Purpose/Goal� Topics� Key Messaging

� Annual Budget� Team Building� Membership recruitment

and retention

� Budget and estimates� Assigning volunteers� Miscellaneous Items/

Contingency Plans � Term limits� Planning� Scorecards

� Event Timeline� Setting Expectations� Benefit Realization/Value

Capture

¾ What are we trying to accomplish?¾ What are we talking about?¾ How do we plan to communicate the event or get to the point

in these discussions?

Key Considerations:¾ Commerce, Career, Community, and Culture¾ Expanding by geography, operating companies, etc. ¾ Is our membership based on occupation, education, affinity,

and/or intent?

Cost/Resources: Making it Happen!Cost/Resources

Cost/Resources Time

Gove

rnan

cePr

ogra

ms

� Annual Budget� Team Building� Membership Recruitment

and Retention

� Purpose/Goal� Topics� Key Messaging

� Annual Budget� Team Building� Membership recruitment

and retention

� Budget and estimates� Assigning volunteers� Miscellaneous Items/

Contingency Plans � Term limits� Planning� Scorecards

� Event Timeline� Setting Expectations� Benefit Realization/Value

Capture

¾ What are we trying to accomplish?¾ What are we talking about?¾ How do we plan to communicate the event or get to the point

in these discussions?

Key Considerations:¾ Planning for Q1 – wish list and what ifs¾ Doing good and doing well – the “Buddy System”¾ Getting to know volunteers and influencing others through

inspiration

Time/Schedule: Delivering a Positive ImpactTime/Schedule

Cost/Resources Time

Gove

rnan

cePr

ogra

ms

� Term limits� Planning� Scorecards

� Purpose/Goal� Topics� Key Messaging

� Annual Budget� Team Building� Membership recruitment

and retention

� Budget and estimates� Assigning volunteers� Miscellaneous Items/

Contingency Plans � Term limits� Planning� Scorecards

� Event Timeline� Setting Expectations� Benefit Realization/Value

Capture

¾ What are we trying to accomplish?¾ What are we talking about?¾ How do we plan to communicate the event or get to the point

in these discussions?

Key Considerations:¾ How much time do I have to be an effective member?¾ Making the most of stakeholders’ time¾ Key success metrics

Lessons Learned –Sharing Knowledge for Success

Goal Setting|Incorporating your ERG Goals into your Own Work Goals

• In partnership with your D&I leader and organization and your manager, understand the firm’s corporate social responsibility and how you can take part of D&I activities

• Exceed expectations by leading an event and/or taking an active or leadership role in the ERG team

• Document your time and effort in participating in ERG events and how you applied what you learned into your work

Round 2BTALENT / CAREER / CULTURE:

ERG Leadership Strategies for Project Management

Thank You!