NYU Lecture on Leading Values-Based Cultures in Nonprofit Organizations: A Conversation with Sabrina K. Garba

GLG Insights | Sabrina K Garba | October 29, 2024

In the nonprofit sector's shifting environment, prioritizing values and cultivating a robust organizational culture is key to navigating culture, communications, and crisis management. But what does it take to build and maintain that kind of culture? How can communication shape organizational culture, particularly during a crisis?

Earlier this year, Sabrina K. Garba, the founder of Glass Ladder Group, delivered a compelling guest lecture for the course Leading Values-Based Cultures in Nonprofit Organizations at NYU Wagner. This course is primarily offered to Executive Master of Public Administration students, most of whom lead complex organizations, including NYU administrative leaders, city of New York executives, and nonprofit operations leaders. The course emphasizes the critical role of organizational culture in shaping leadership and management practices. This interview is based on that lecture, providing a deeper exploration of Sabrina’s insights into effective leadership and communication within nonprofit organizations. We would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Rachel Danielle Latimore for her invitation to speak, her invaluable support, and her work as a leader in impact work. 

Interviewer: Hi Sabrina! Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your role at Glass Ladder Group?

Sabrina Garba: Hi there! I’m Sabrina K. Garba, and I’m the founder of Glass Ladder Group. We are dedicated to empowering people, brands, and cultures through strategic communication with a global perspective. My role involves guiding our team in crafting innovative communication strategies that resonate with diverse audiences and drive positive change.

Interviewer: Your background is quite diverse. How has growing up with such a variety of perspectives influenced your approach to organizational communication and handling conflict?

Sabrina Garba: Growing up with siblings from different countries, religions, and languages taught me the value of empathy and understanding in communication. I believe effective communication is more than just words; it’s about connecting on a deeper level and embracing diversity. This perspective shapes how I handle conflict and foster inclusive cultures within organizations.

Interviewer: In your lecture, you emphasized the importance of communication as a key element of organizational culture. How do you think communication shapes culture, especially in times of crisis?

Sabrina Garba: Communication is definitely crucial in shaping organizational culture, especially during crises. Being transparent and empathetic helps build trust and resilience within teams. Leaders need to keep internal communication a priority, ensuring it aligns with the organization's mission and values. Open communication helps organizations manage crises better and come out stronger on the other side.

Interviewer: Crisis management is a significant part of leadership. What strategies do you recommend for organizations to prepare for and handle crises effectively?

Sabrina Garba: Preparation is everything when it comes to crisis management. Organizations should have a plan in place, identify potential risks, and practice different scenarios. Cultivating a culture of transparency and accountability is key, as it allows for quick and decisive action during crises. Investing in solid policies and communication strategies for sensitive issues can significantly boost resilience and reputation.

Interviewer: Stakeholder engagement is vital for nonprofits. How can organizations effectively communicate their brand story and engage stakeholders, especially when times are tough?

Sabrina Garba: Brand storytelling is a powerful way to engage stakeholders and build trust. Organizations should focus on understanding what matters to their stakeholders and craft stories that align with their values and goals. Being transparent and authentic is crucial; it helps in creating genuine connections and inspiring collective action.

Interviewer: How can nonprofits incorporate empathy and values-driven storytelling into their communications?

Sabrina Garba: Empathy mapping is a fantastic user-experience design tool that can be leveraged to better understand stakeholders' feelings and experiences. By integrating values and insights into their storytelling, nonprofits can craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audience. It’s all about being authentic and ensuring the communication reflects the organization’s mission and values.

Interviewer: Cultural Competency is essential in today’s globalized world. What are your tips for organizations to navigate cultural differences effectively?

Sabrina Garba: There is no such thing as being culturally competent. We all have blind spots that will inevitably make us come across as unaware or insensitive. Instead, we should focus on cultural agility. Cultural agility means respecting and understanding cultural differences while finding common ground for collaboration and making space for continuous growth. Organizations should foster a culture of curiosity and openness, encouraging people to ask questions and seek understanding. Embracing diverse perspectives helps in navigating cultural differences more effectively and promotes inclusivity.

Interviewer: As organizations grow, their cultures evolve too. How can leaders promote diversity and inclusion within their organizations?

Sabrina Garba: Promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging starts with leadership. Leaders need to champion authenticity and inclusivity, creating environments where diverse voices are heard and valued. Embracing cultural perspectives and integrating them into organizational practices fosters a sense of belonging and drives innovation and success.

Interviewer: Thanks so much for sharing your insights, Sabrina!

Sabrina Garba: My pleasure! Thanks for having me, and a special thank you to Rachel for her invitation to offer a lecture to her class at  NYU. I look forward to being able to connect with her, the students, and the university again soon!

Interested in connecting with Sabrina and the experts at Glass Ladder Group to learn more about creating a healthy organizational culture at your non-profit? Here are some ways to deepen that connection and enhance your organization’s culture and communication strategies:

• Connect with Sabrina on LinkedIn: Keep the conversation going and ask any follow-up questions you may have.

• Stay Informed: Keep up with industry trends that can enhance your organization’s culture and communication strategies.

• Explore Tailored Solutions: Reach out to us to discuss customized solutions that address your organization’s unique needs. Visit us at glassladdergroup.com to learn more about how we can support you.

Together, we can build a thriving organizational culture that aligns with your mission and values.