Patton's Picks: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

Leadership Resources for the Philanthropic Sector

Welcome to this edition of Patton's Picks, where we explore Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth. This influential book delves into the virtues of extraordinary effort, providing a compelling narrative that success is not just born from talent but from a blend of passion and persistence. Duckworth’s insights are particularly valuable for nonprofit leaders who often face long odds and challenging landscapes. Here’s why Grit is essential reading for those in the nonprofit sector:

You Want to Foster Resilience: Duckworth demonstrates that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls “grit.” This book teaches nonprofit leaders how to cultivate their own grit and encourage it in their teams, essential for navigating the complex challenges of the sector.

You Seek to Inspire Persistence: With numerous examples of how grit has led to extraordinary success in various fields, Grit provides strategies that leaders can use to motivate themselves and their teams. This is crucial in a sector where progress can be slow and setbacks are common.

You Aim to Enhance Personal and Team Performance: Duckworth offers practical advice for increasing perseverance and passion, focusing on growth and long-term goals. Nonprofit leaders can apply these principles to improve not only their own performance but also that of their entire organization, driving toward greater impacts and achievements.

Stay tuned for more of Patton's Picks, your go-to source for resources that challenge, enlighten, and prepare you for a rewarding journey in nonprofit leadership. By embracing the principles in Grit, we can ensure our commitment to our mission remains unshaken, even in the face of adversity.

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.