Turning Feedback Into Fuel

Hello Trailblazers & Changemakers,

If you’re an ERG leader, then you understand the importance of gathering feedback: from your members, from your sponsors, and from other stakeholders within the company. But simply gathering feedback doesn’t actually move the needle. It’s what you do with it that matters.

If you’re looking to use feedback data to maximize the impact of your ERGs, then keep reading!

Getting the data

Just so we’re all on the same page, let’s explore some ways you might go about getting feedback from the relevant parties:

• Quarterly pulse checks: If you’re not already sending out quarterly pulse checks, now is a great time to start. This can be as simple as a Google form or a SurveyMonkey, but I recommend using the same format (and, usually, the same questions) every time so you can easily track how responses change over time. Use these quarterly check-ins to ask about people’s sense of belonging, perceived quality of programming, and ideas for improvement. The results can inform your next planning cycle.

• Post-event surveys: These are quick check-ins that you send out immediately after an event. (You might even consider sharing a QR code linking directly to the survey as people are leaving, so the event is still top of mind.) Keep it simple: 2–3 questions asking what people enjoyed, what could be improved, and what they'd like to see next. 

• Open forums: ERG meetings are a perfect opportunity to gather impromptu feedback. Consider spending 5-10 minutes at the beginning or the end of each meeting to ask what’s working and what’s missing. Hearing ideas in real time sparks discussion and surfaces new perspectives.

• Anonymous suggestion box: If your company is in-office, then this can be an actual box placed in a common area. If you work hybrid or remote, this can be an anonymous online survey where people can submit their thoughts. This encourages honest input, especially around sensitive topics or unmet needs.

Regardless of the avenue(s) you take to gather feedback, the most important thing is to remain open. When people know that these lines of communication exist, they are more empowered to actively contribute to making their community better.

Turning feedback into action

So, you have the data. Your drive is full of survey responses, your desk is teeming with anonymous suggestions, and you’re parsing through the notes you took during the open forum at your last meeting. Now what?

Here’s how to make sure insights turn into impact:

• Spot the patterns. Don’t overreact to one-off comments. Instead, look for themes. Are multiple people asking for more professional development? Less Zoom fatigue? More inclusive event times? These are your cues, and these are where you should focus your efforts moving forward.

• Prioritize what’s possible. You won’t be able to fix everything overnight — and that’s okay! Focus on 1–2 changes that are low-effort but high-impact. For example, shifting a meeting time or adding a short content series between events.

• Close the loop. How frustrating is it to give detailed feedback and suggestions for improvement to then be met with…nothing? Let your members know what you heard and what’s changing as a result. A simple Slack message like “You asked, we listened” builds buy-in and encourages future participation.

• Revisit your goals. Use feedback to refine your roadmap. If the plan you set at the beginning of the year isn’t resonating, remember that it’s more than okay to course-correct so your work stays aligned with what your members (and your company) actually need.

Taking action (even small ones) shows your community that their voice matters. And that’s what drives engagement forward.

You might be leading the ERG, but your members play an important role in co-creating it and strengthening it as time goes on. Don’t let the gift of feedback go to waste!

Onward and upward,

Dumebi

If you're interested in exploring how Chezie can enhance your Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), I invite you to schedule a demo. We also offer a wealth of resources to support your ERG initiatives:

• ERG Toolkit: Comprehensive guides and templates to help you establish and manage effective ERGs.

• Blue Pages: A collection of articles and thought pieces on best practices for ERGs.

• ERG Leaders Community: Join discussions with ERG and DEI leaders to share experiences and strategies.

Lastly, connect with me on LinkedIn for more insights and updates.