Starting Up a Veteran Employee Resource Group (VERG)

© 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 1

Creating an Employee Resource Group

to bring people & knowledge together

as part of

Cisco’s Human Network

(January 16, 2013) Bill Philbrick

Road to the creation of Cisco’s:

Veterans Enablement, & Troop Support

Employee Resource Group

“VETS ERG”

© 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Presentation_ID 2

Agenda

Introduction

Provide foundational information on how VETS fits into Cisco’s overall Inclusion & Diversity strategy.

Historical background on the creation of the Veterans Enablement & Troop Support (VETS) ERG.

Defining the initial Vision & Mission of the VETS ERG.

Growing the Vision: the Creation of Strategic Goals, Objectives and Metrics.

Conclusion


Presentation_ID 3

Cisco’s Overall Diversity Strategy

Cisco Vision:

To have a diverse yet inclusive corporate culture, where employees understand and embrace multiple cultures and perspectives in an environment where each individual achieves their best work inclusive of their differences.

Cisco Mission:

Develop and deploy resources and solutions that further Cisco's inclusive culture in order to gain global competitive advantage.


Presentation_ID 4

What do we mean when we say "diversity"?

In a word, diversity is a philosophy. To make the philosophy come alive, the action of "inclusion" must take place.

An inclusive organization benefits from its ability to leverage both it's "shared" and "unique" skills, ideas and experiences. In a fully leveraged work environment, best practices, information and innovation are transferred seamlessly across the globe.

In order for Cisco to sustain its growth, performance and ability to execute, it is critical that employees are engaged and committed to creating an inclusive environment.


Presentation_ID 5

Isn't diversity mostly about race and gender?

Cisco's definition includes the dimensions of workforce ( behavioral, structural, and marketplace diversity ) how we behave, how teams are created, how we recognize differences with our customers, and new market opportunities.

Workforce diversity refers to differences among employees, including ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, physical appearance and abilities, economic background and status, educational background, communication, and problem solving styles.

Behavioral diversity pertains to work styles, thinking styles, learning styles, communication styles, aspirations, beliefs/value system as well as changes in the attitudes and expectations of employees.


Presentation_ID 6

Set a Course to Success Creation of the Cisco VETS ERG…

VSEM

Formalized Sep 09-Dec 09

Committee

Structure Dec 09-Current

Establish

New Chapters

Dec 07-Jul 08 Creating

the Vision Aug 06

Director,

Veterans Affairs Sep 11

Military

Hiring

Specialist Jan 12

VETS

Affinity Group Sep 07

Vision

& Mission (Sep 07-Dec 07)

Conversion

To VETS ERG Jul 09


Presentation_ID 7

Military Talent Pipeline Project

Framework:

ID & recruit Executive sponsor

Marketing Message (PR)

Establish Talent Pipeline Internal (Cisco)

External (Partner)

Define “Playing Field” (Transition assistance program)

TAP & other similar programs (Army, AF, Navy/USMC…)

Transition Types: Disability, Terminal separation (completion of obligation), Retirement, Job Fairs

Identify Cisco Demographics (work with HR to gather statistics if allowable) Vet’s & DV within Cisco Systems, Inc.

Density of Resumes from Veterans

Establish Employee Resource Group

Identify Resources on the Web

Create Recruitment Translation “Playbook” (Grade/MOS definition explanation) Cisco to DoD & DoD to Cisco

“Boil the Ocean!”


Presentation_ID 8

Team Structure (Executive Sponsor: Mike Quinn, VP CA)

Prior to joining Cisco, Mike served in the USMC and various government agencies

Mike is a currently member of the Board of Trustee’s for the Cisco Foundation

Mike is also on the Board of Directors for CompuMentor

A recent assignment Mike has accepted is a Presidential appointment on Veterans Employment, Training and Employer Outreach. A mandate from the President of the United States.


Presentation_ID 9

Team Structure (Core Team and Membership)

Core Team: Currently exist in several distributed organizations throughout Cisco.

–“Deliverable Goal first 6 Months”

–Build out of VETS infrastructure:

•Build out from current core planning group of 15-20

•Expand to 50-60 charter members to form enablement committees

•Charter to execute original Framework previously referenced

Membership Potential:

- Several Regional Chapters to begin (US & EMEA)

- US: potentially 1,500(+)

- EMEA: TBD as the VETS develops in European Public Sector


Presentation_ID 10

Veterans Enablement & Troop Support Group (VETS)

Vision:

Integrating the experience, values & knowledge

of both active duty Servicemembers , Veterans and

Family members with that of the Human Network.

Mission:

To recognize, connect and utilize, through open membership, the value and experience of Cisco's Servicemembers Community, to include: military, Government Service (civilian) employees, their family’s, and friends.

Utilize the collective experience of all members to enhance professional career development, work productivity and the overall Cisco community as part of the Human Network.

Through a comprehensive understanding of the Information Technology industry; ensure the Services Community, both internal and external, is a connected part of the Human Network.

Utilize the knowledge of this group to better understand how to appreciate, interact with and support both current and former military personnel & their families.


Presentation_ID 11

Veterans-Enablement & Troop-Support

http://wwwin.cisco.com/employee/networks/Vets/


Presentation_ID 12

Graphical Mission Statement

Cisco VETS Military Retirees, GS

Family & Friends

US

DoD

(entirety)

Supporting Agencies

& Veterans Groups (worldwide)

Technology

Industry

Various

MoD’s


Presentation_ID 13

Primary Deliverable (First 6 Months): Communicate & Educate Personnel on the VETS ERG

Target Audience: Internal Cisco Employees

Top 3 deliverables for first 6 months:

– Create the Internal CEC VETS web site • Include VETS Vision & Mission Statements

• Overview of Goals and Strategic objectives

• How to become a part of the VETS ERG

– Establish PR/Marketing Plan/Kit (internal) • Cisco sponsored Webex session (Kick off) for individuals to learn more

– Build out of VETS infrastructure • Build out from current core planning group of 15-20

• Expand to 50-60 charter members to form enablement committees

• Charter to execute original Framework previously referenced


Presentation_ID 14

Deliverables (6-12 months): Validate & Implement Core Principles Outlined in the Original Framework

Target Audience:

- Internal: Highly motivated core of VETS charter members

- External: Key members of the “Wounded Warrior” & Disabled Veteran community

Top 3 (+1) deliverables for 6-12 months

Framework:

- Fully Develop Internal & External Marketing Message (PR)

- Implement external Marketing/PR Plan

- Create and establish key committees to drive & expand the organization

(+1): From the initial instantiation, the VETS ERG has both internal & external goals


Presentation_ID 15

Metrics (Success Factors)

Metrics:

– Establish baseline knowledge of numbers of other Cisco Employee Resource groups

– Identify Cisco Demographics (work with HR to gather statistics if allowable)

• Vet’s & DV within Cisco Systems, Inc.

• Density of Resumes from Veterans

– Participation in online events (Cisco WebEx)

– # of individuals who “opt-in” to VETS web site through the VET mail list

Other:

– Establish:

• Creation of the formalized VETS ERG Website

• Formalize VETS internal/external mailing/community list

• Create outreach to external components previously identified

© 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 16

Expanding the VETS Employee Resource Group

to bring people & knowledge together

as part of

Cisco’s Human Network

Expansion of the Veterans Enablement,

& Troop Support (VETS) ERG


Presentation_ID 17

Needs

Family

Experience

Volunteerism

Cisco Responsibilities

Support Expertise

Passion

Actions

Friends

Desires

Making

Difference

Service


Presentation_ID 18

C2

Cisco Responsibilities

Family

Volunteerism

Experience

Support

Expertise

Friends

Desires

Making

Difference

Service

Needs

Actions

Passion


Presentation_ID 19

EXECUTION Enhance the lives of active duty,

veterans and their

community

STRATEGY

VSEM Communication Template

Align Cisco talents and community to foster hope, inspiration and solidarity.

Connecting People and Organizations in support of

Outreach, Enablement and Advocacy

5+ Years

2-4 Years

12-18 Months

National and Chapter KPIs Efficacy of ERG Impact

6-12 Months

METRICS

VISION

Cisco Confidential © 2010 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.


Presentation_ID 20

Execution Activities:

Outreach and Enablement


Connecting People and Organizations


Corporate

Advocacy

VSEM Alignment

V Enhance the lives of active duty, veterans and their community 5+ years

S Align Cisco talents and community to foster hope, inspiration & solidarity. 2-4 years

12-18 months 12-18 months 12-18 months

E

• Strategic Priority Metric(s) and

Goals:

• Each Chapter to conduct 3 local

activities per year

• # of Service Members and

Families supported

• # of Cisco employees engaged

M


Goals:

• Conduct 2 Veterans Technology

events per year

• Expand Local Partnerships and

realize 3 opportunities

• # of Volunteer hours provided and

matched.


Goals:

• # of VETS ERG members

contributing to Advocacy

• Expand Local Veteran Advocacy

and realize 3 national

opportunities per year

• # of Corporate I&D Programs

supported

Smart Personalized Experience – Attract, Recruit and Retain

KP

I


Presentation_ID 21

Herndon

VETS Leadership Team

National ERG Co-Leads

Communications

& Marketing

RTP

Austin

Virtual

Lawrenceville

Englewood

Chapters (Sites)

Tracks (Committees) Corporate

Financing

Corporate

Legal

San Diego

Atlanta San Jose Richardson

Transition Assistance

& Mentorship Corporate

Outreach

Chapter Co-leads

Committee

Co-leads

Program

Co-leads


Presentation_ID 22

Set a Course to Success Creation of the Cisco VETS ERG…

VSEM

Formalized Sep 09-Dec 09

Committee

Structure Dec 09-Current

Establish

New Chapters

Dec 07-Jul 08 Creating

the Vision Aug 06

Director,

Veterans Affairs Sep 11

Military

Hiring

Specialist Jan 12

VETS

Affinity Group Sep 07

Vision

& Mission (Sep 07-Dec 07)

Conversion

To VETS ERG Jul 09


Presentation_ID 23


Presentation_ID 24

Starting Up a Veteran Employee Resource Group (VERG)

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