To say Don Yaeger is a best-selling author, would be a huge understatement.
He is a master writer and story teller who has published dozens of books.
I included a mention of a story Don used in his book, Great Teams in my own book, Stop The Nonprofit Board Blame Game.
The story was about Coach Mike Krzyzewski creating “feel it moments” like a visit to Arlington National Cemetery to help players on Team USA Basketball appreciate what it meant to represent their country.
Don and I are connected as members of the National Speakers Association and through his personal commitment to nonprofit organizations he understands nonprofit boards and the challenges they face.
Don’s Great Teams book asks, “What makes a team great?” The answers provide a blueprint for success that is easily applicable to a board.
I asked Don to share four lessons from Great Teams that would benefit nonprofit boards. He graciously responded with these four tips.
1. Know Your “Why” – And Never Lose Sight of It
“The best teams don’t just show up to play—they know exactly why they’re in the game. The same goes for nonprofit boards. Without a crystal-clear understanding of your mission—your why—it’s easy to lose focus and struggle to make the right calls when challenges arise.
I had the honor of serving on the Make-A-Wish National Board for nine years, and every meeting started with a mission moment—a story shared by a child or their family. I cried every time. I remember leaning over to the board member next to me and asking, “Do you ever stop crying at these stories?” He looked at me and said, “The day you stop crying is the day you need to get off the board.”
High-performing teams keep their purpose front and center in everything they do. So ask yourself: do your board meetings start with logistics, or with a moment to remember why your work truly matters?”
2. Develop Leaders at Every Level
“Strong teams don’t rely on just one or two superstars—they build a deep bench of leaders who are ready to step up when needed. Nonprofit boards should embrace the same mentality.
Leadership isn’t solely the responsibility of the board chair or executive director; it should be woven into the fabric of the organization’s culture. Encourage members to take ownership, mentor emerging leaders, and create opportunities for growth.
Great teams don’t just succeed today—they prepare for success tomorrow.”
3. Hire for Culture, Train for Skill
“Talent matters, but culture wins championships. The best teams don’t just look for the most skilled players—they look for people who fit the culture. Nonprofit boards should do the same. Skills can be developed, but if someone doesn’t align with your values or mission, they can disrupt the entire team dynamic.
Build a board where every member understands the culture, buys into the vision, and works toward the same goal. That’s how you create long-term success.”
4. Communicate Clearly Because “Bad News Doesn’t Get Better with Time”
“Here’s a hard truth: avoiding tough conversations doesn’t make problems disappear.
The best teams understand that “bad news doesn’t get better with time.” If something’s wrong—whether it’s financial trouble, leadership challenges, or internal conflicts—address it head-on. If you do not know the answer, it is ok to admit that confidently. The sooner a board confronts an issue, the better the chances of finding a solution before it spirals out of control.
Great teams communicate with clarity, transparency, and urgency.”
What terrific insight! Thank you Don for sharing these lessons from Great Teams and relating them to nonprofit boards.
Nonprofits, associations, and chambers of commerce wanting a great board team should apply these lessons Don has provided.
How do you work to make sure your board is a great board?
Don Yaeger’s Corporate Competitor Podcast is an opportunity for learning from his guests who are high-level achievers. Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.
