The Blueprint for Building Exceptional Nonprofit Teams (Will Sparks)

How can you harness the power of organizational culture to drive optimal performance in your nonprofit? In episode 260 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Dr. Will Sparks, an expert in leadership and organizational culture, delves deep into the dynamics of culture, leadership, and team performance. Drawing from his extensive research and experience, Will unpacks the nuances of leadership influence and the role of executive tenure in shaping organizational culture. He explores the challenges and opportunities for new leaders in transforming established cultures, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and candid communication. From navigating board dynamics to founding the Center for Human and Organizational Potential (CHOP), Will offers actionable strategies and valuable insights for nonprofit leaders seeking to cultivate a culture of excellence. 

"Empowering nonprofit leadership requires a transformative approach to organizational culture and teamwork."

ABOUT WILL

Will Sparks is the Dennis Thompson Chair & Professor of Leadership at the McColl School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte, where he also serves as the Director of the Office of Leadership Initiatives. In 2008, he founded the McColl School’s M.S. in Organization Development (MSOD) Program and served as Director until 2013. Will serves as the Managing Director for William L. Sparks & Associates, LLC, and as a Partner with Peter Browning Partners, LLC, a consulting firm providing board governance and executive coaching. His TedX Talk “The Power of Self Awareness” released in 2018. He is the author of “Actualized Leadership: Meeting Your Shadow & Maximizing Your Potential” and co-authored (with Peter Browning) “The Director’s Manual: A Framework for Board Governance” (2016, Wiley). He completed his Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Development under the direction of Dr. Jerry B. Harvey from The George Washington University’s School of Business and Public Management, where his research focused on group dynamics, organizational culture, and leadership.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Actualized Teamwork: Unlocking the Culture Code for Optimal Performance by William L. Sparks

• Hear more from Will on Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership in episode 14.

• Have you read Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector