Nonprofit Leadership Podcast Summary: "Why Your Team May Be Having a Buy-in Problem"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast
- Host: Rob Harter
- Guest: Dave Garrison, Author of The Buy-in Advantage: Why Employees Stop Caring and How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Give Their All
- Release Date: May 19, 2025
1. Introduction
In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter welcomes business strategist and leadership coach Dave Garrison. The discussion centers around the escalating issue of employee buy-in within nonprofit organizations, a problem that has intensified post-COVID-19.
2. Defining the Buy-in Problem
Dave Garrison introduces the concept of the buy-in crisis, describing it as a significant challenge that affects employee engagement and organizational effectiveness.
“For the last 30 years, the Gallup data shows that people show up at work and on a net basis, only about a third of the people are really bought in.”
— Dave Garrison [03:10]
He emphasizes that while employees may appear polite and content with superficial perks like ping pong tables or free lunches, genuine buy-in—where employees are passionate and fully engaged—is lacking.
3. Causes of the Buy-in Crisis
Garrison outlines several factors contributing to the buy-in problem:
- Generational Shifts: Younger generations seek purpose and impact, not just job security.
- Evolving Employee Expectations: Employees now desire alignment with organizational values and a sense of community.
- Economic Disruptions: Fluctuations in the economy, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have prompted employees to reassess their roles and engagement levels.
He shares a vivid example comparing the passion of parents at high school football games to the disengagement seen in the workplace.
“What would it be like if people brought Friday night lights passion to the workplace every day?”
— Dave Garrison [03:10]
4. Diagnosing a Buy-in Problem
Rob Harter asks how nonprofit leaders can identify if they are experiencing a buy-in problem. Garrison presents seven warning signs, highlighting a few key indicators:
- Inefficient Meetings: Meetings that start late, run over time, or lack direction.
- High Turnover Rates: Employees leaving for ostensibly "better jobs," which often masks underlying dissatisfaction.
- Losing Major Donors: A decline in donations can signal broader organizational issues.
“Use this checklist of we have an assessment tool that'll be both online and in the book and use that tool and ask their team to fill it out so you can get a common view of what's really going on.”
— Dave Garrison [07:30]
5. Hidden Costs of Poor Buy-in
Garrison discusses the often-overlooked costs associated with low employee buy-in, which may not appear directly on financial statements:
- Increased Turnover: The cost of rehiring and training new staff.
- Reduced Productivity: Missed targets and poor performance due to disengagement.
- Lower Morale: Impact on overall team spirit and organizational culture.
He suggests monitoring both quantitative data (e.g., turnover rates, sick days) and qualitative feedback (e.g., employee experiences and perceptions).
“I would look at qualitative data, which is what is the experience of the employees.”
— Dave Garrison [12:47]
6. Impact of Generational Shifts and Economic Disruptions
Garrison explains how younger employees prioritize impact and purpose over monetary compensation. He challenges the traditional belief that employees leave solely for higher pay, citing data that shows even significant pay raises may not retain passionate employees if other needs are unmet.
“People will leave for less money if they believe that the purpose is more aligned and their ability to have an impact is greater at another joint...”
— Dave Garrison [07:47]
7. Systemic Factors Contributing to Buy-in Issues
Addressing systemic issues is crucial for fostering buy-in. Garrison identifies the lack of clear processes for aligning employees' values with organizational purpose as a key factor. He advocates for behavioral-based interview questions that assess alignment with the nonprofit’s mission and values rather than just technical skills.
“Ask behavioral based questions. Hey, here's how we're changing the world in our nonprofit. How do you see yourself in it?”
— Dave Garrison [09:33]
8. Solutions to Enhance Buy-in
Garrison moves beyond traditional incentives, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where employees feel their contributions are valued and impactful. Key strategies include:
- Drama-Free Problem Solving: Establishing clear desired outcomes and collaboratively addressing obstacles without personal biases.
- Inclusive Decision-Making: Encouraging team input to harness collective intelligence.
He shares a compelling story of a CEO who successfully involved his team in the decision-making process, leading to more thoughtful and inclusive outcomes.
“If we can get past those points... using the drama free problem solving system in the book, you can DIY it.”
— Dave Garrison [22:53]
9. Role of Board Members in Addressing Buy-in Problems
Rob Harter inquires about strategies for board members to address buy-in issues, especially when executives may have blind spots. Garrison advises a collaborative and non-confrontational approach:
- Initiate Dialogue: Engage executive directors in conversations about team health without directly pointing out problems.
- Introduce Additional Criteria: Encourage leaders to consider new metrics for evaluating team engagement.
- External Resources: Bring in outside experts to provide objective perspectives.
“Do not want to be in the position of being a board fix it person because you're going to be less effective in providing leadership and input to the executive director.”
— Dave Garrison [20:32]
10. Turning Challenges into Opportunities
High staff turnover, while challenging, can be transformed into opportunities for growth and innovation. Garrison suggests:
- Accepting the Problem: Recognize that the issue isn't solely financial and that new solutions are needed.
- Collaborative Problem-Solving: Involve the team in identifying root causes and prioritizing solutions.
- Empowering Employees: Encourage staff to contribute ideas for improvement, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement.
“It's not about pay, it's not about anybody's ill intent... But people have expectations from the experience of the organization that are not being met. But what are they? We don't know, but we can find out.”
— Dave Garrison [21:10]
11. Insights on Dave Garrison's Book
Garrison discusses his book, The Buy-in Advantage, emphasizing its role as a DIY manual for leaders to foster employee buy-in. He recounts the extensive research and the realization that many leaders either instinctively understand buy-in or are resistant to adopting new approaches.
“It's not about selling books, it's about changing the world.”
— Dave Garrison [26:43]
The book offers practical tools and assessment methods to help organizations diagnose and address buy-in issues effectively.
12. Conclusion
Rob Harter concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to implement the discussed strategies to enhance employee engagement and organizational success. He emphasizes the importance of authentic leadership and fostering a work environment where employees feel genuinely connected to the mission.
Dave Garrison leaves listeners with a call to action:
“Please take the first step to generating Buy in.”
— Dave Garrison [28:56]
Connect with Dave Garrison:
- Website: www.buyinbook.com
- Additional Resources: www.garrisongrowth.com
- LinkedIn: Dave Garrison
About the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast: The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast explores critical issues facing nonprofit leaders, featuring real stories and strategies from successful leaders aiming to make a positive impact in their communities. Available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Google Podcasts, and more.
This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and actionable strategies presented in the podcast episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened.