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Patton's Picks: The Notebook by Roland Allen

March 19, 2025

Leadership Resources for the Philanthropic Sector 

5In this edition of Patton's Picks, we feature The Notebook by Roland Allen. As a proponent of journaling (I send a journal to every Mastermind participant!), I appreciate how Allen emphasizes the reflective practice of keeping a journal to enhance leadership qualities and decision-making. This book is a fascinating look at the many uses for notebooks and journals over the years, and a fun reminder for leaders committed to personal and professional growth. Here’s why The Notebook is a vital read for nonprofit leaders:

  • Reflective Leadership: Encourages leaders to engage in regular reflection, crucial for continuous improvement.
  • Decision-Making Skills: Enhances decision-making through structured reflection and clarity of thought.
  • Personal Growth: Offers strategies for personal development that contribute to professional leadership capacities.

Dr. Patton McDowell, CFRE, MBA, is the creator of the innovative PMA Mastermind Leadership Program, a unique offering designed to elevate nonprofit leaders through comprehensive training and peer collaboration. He is also the author of the best-selling book, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, and host of the weekly podcast with the same name, available here. Since founding PMA Nonprofit Leadership in 2009, Patton has strategically guided over 300 nonprofit organizations to achieve their fullest potential. A Certified Fundraising Executive and Master Trainer for AFP Global, he serves as Executive in Residence at Cornell University's Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy and as Director of the Institute for Philanthropic Leadership.

 

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