Stop Asking for Budgets, Start Asking Better Questions: The ERG Growth Strategy for 2026

February 18, 2026

If you're leading an ERG, you may recognise this situation: you're passionate about creating change, you've got ideas and energy, but when it comes to getting resources, buy-in, or even just a seat at important tables, you keep hitting walls.

The typical advice? Work harder, create better presentations, prove your ROI with more data. But what if we told you that some of the most successful ERG leaders we work with have cracked the code using something completely different – and completely free?

They've discovered that the right questions can open more doors than the perfect pitch deck. They've learned that strategic questioning transforms ERGs from resource-dependent groups into indispensable business partners. Most importantly, they've figured out how to generate real influence without waiting for bigger budgets or perfect conditions.

If you're tired of feeling like your ERG is always asking for permission instead of being invited to contribute, this approach changes everything.

ERG Growth Strategy - Ask Better Questions

1. Questions That Position ERGs as Business Solutions

Instead of: "Can we have a budget for our ERG?"

Try: "What business challenges are we facing that diverse perspectives could help solve?"

This shifts the conversation from cost to value, making leadership see ERGs as strategic assets rather than nice-to-haves.

2. Questions That Uncover Hidden Opportunities

Examples of these could include:

  • "What decisions are being made this quarter that could benefit from our community's insights?"
  • "Which client/customer segments do we struggle to connect with?"
  • "Where are our retention challenges greatest?"

These questions help ERGs naturally find their way into existing business priorities rather than competing for attention.

3. Questions That Gather Actionable Data

Instead of: "Do you support diversity?"

Try:

  • "What would need to change for you to feel fully able to contribute your best work here?"
  • "Which company processes feel most/least inclusive to you?"
  • "What opportunities do you see that others might miss?"

Better questions yield better data, which leads to better solutions.

4. Questions That Engage Rather Than Alienate

Instead of: "Why don't you attend ERG events?"

Try: "What format would make it easiest for you to share your expertise with our community?"

This reframes participation from obligation to contribution.

5. Questions That Drive Implementation

Instead of: "What should we do about this issue?"

Try:

  • "What's the smallest change that could make the biggest difference?"
  • "Who has the authority to pilot this?"
  • "What would success look like in 90 days?"

These questions can help to move conversations from awareness to action.

6. Questions That Embed ERGs in Business Processes

Examples for existing meetings:

  • "Have we considered how different customer segments might respond to this?"
  • "What perspectives aren't represented in this decision?"
  • "How might this impact our recruitment/retention goals?"

7. Questions That Demonstrate Impact

Instead of: "How many people attended our event?"

Try:

  • "How did our insights influence the final strategy?"
  • "Which connections made through our network led to business outcomes?"
  • "What problems were solved that might not have been addressed otherwise?"

The Framework: BRIDGE Questions

Business-aligned: "How does this connect to company priorities?"

Relevant: "What's the specific challenge we're addressing?"

Inclusive: "Whose voices aren't being heard in this conversation?"

Data-driven: "What evidence would demonstrate success?"

Goal-oriented: "What's the specific outcome we want to achieve?"

Executable: "What's the first step we can take this week?"

The most successful ERG leaders we work with spend more time crafting their questions than planning their programs. Questions are free, they're scalable, and they position ERGs as strategic thinking partners rather than event organisers.

What's the most impactful question your ERG has asked recently?

Here's what you need to remember: your ERG's impact isn't limited by your budget, your headcount, or even your senior leadership's initial enthusiasm. It's limited by the quality of questions you're asking and where you're asking them.

The most influential ERG leaders don't run the biggest programs or have the most resources. They're the ones who've mastered the art of strategic questioning. They've learned to position themselves as essential thinking partners rather than optional add-ons.

Start with just one question from the BRIDGE framework this week. Ask it in a meeting you're already attending, to people you already know, about challenges your organisation is already trying to solve. Then watch what happens when you stop asking for resources and start offering strategic insights.

Your ERG has perspectives, experiences, and solutions your organisation desperately needs. The right questions ensure those insights get heard, valued and acted upon.

Ready to transform your ERG's approach?

Join us at ERG Blueprint Conference 2026 to learn the systems and strategies that turn passion into lasting power.

April 28th | Leonard Royal London Hotel, St. Paul’s | London

Book Your Ticket