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Patton's Picks: Essential Reads for Nonprofit Leaders
At PMA Nonprofit Leadership, we believe great leaders are always learning. That’s why Patton’s Picks curates impactful books that inspire, challenge, and expand your understanding of key leadership principles. Each title has shaped my approach to nonprofit leadership, and I’m confident they’ll do the same for you - offering valuable insights and practical strategies to help you thrive.
Actualized Teamwork
Will Sparks
"Will joined us on our podcast to share his insights on leadership development on episodes #14 and #260 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership. This insightful book focuses on how leaders can fully develop their potential using adult development theory. Here’s why Actualized Leadership is invaluable . . ."
Innovation for Social Change
Leah Kral
"This book provides a comprehensive look at how innovation can be harnessed to drive significant social impact, and you can hear Leah's insights on episode #204 of the Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership podcast. Kral offers practical strategies for implementing innovative ideas effectively within nonprofit organizations. Here’s why . . ."
The Art of Possibility
Rosamund Stone Zander
"Discover The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander. This book provides tools for shifting mindsets to one of abundance and opportunity. Here’s why . . ."
Lead Yourself First: Inspiring Leadership Through Solitude
Raymond M. Kethledge
"In Lead Yourself First: Inspiring Leadership Through Solitude by Raymond M. Kethledge and Michael S. Erwin, leaders are taught the value of solitude in making clear, insightful decisions . . ."
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals
Oliver Burkeman
"This book offers a profound rethinking of productivity and time management, focusing on embracing our limitations. Here’s why Four Thousand Weeks is invaluable for nonprofit leaders . . ."
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World
David Epstein
"This thought-provoking book argues the benefits of a broad skill set and diverse experiences in an increasingly complex world. Here’s why Range is essential for nonprofit leaders . . ."
The 12 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
John C. Maxwell
"This book offers insights into overcoming internal resistances to unleash creative potential. Here’s why The War of Art is a must-read . . ."
Essentialism
Greg McKeown
"This book teaches the art of identifying what is absolutely essential, then eliminating everything else, so we can make the highest possible contribution towards the things that really matter. Here’s why Essentialism is critical for nonprofit leaders and a good addition to your productivity toolkit . . ."
The Obstacle is the Way
Ryan Holiday
" This book draws on Stoic philosophy to offer a strategy for dealing with challenges directly and turning them into opportunities for growth. Here’s why The Obstacle is the Way is invaluable for nonprofit leaders . . ."
The Science and Technology of Growing Young
Sergey Young
"This groundbreaking book provides a visionary outlook on the future of health and longevity, blending the latest advancements in biotechnology with practical health strategies. Here’s why The Science and Technology of Growing Young is invaluable for nonprofit leaders . . ."
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The Art of Learning
Josh Waitzkin
"This book explores the journey of mastering skills and achieving peak performance through a blend of personal anecdotes and practical advice. Waitzkin, a former chess prodigy and martial arts champion, translates his experiences into lessons on resilience, adaptability, and continuous improvement, making this book a vital resource for nonprofit leaders looking to elevate their strategic thinking and execution . . ."
The Art of Impossible
Steven Kotler
"This book dives into the science of peak performance and offers a blueprint for anyone looking to achieve seemingly impossible goals (sounds familiar in the nonprofit sector, right?). Kotler’s insights are particularly valuable for nonprofit leaders who need to continually push the boundaries of what’s achievable in pursuit of their missions . . ."
The Power of Writing It Down
Allison Fallon
"This insightful book explores the transformative power of writing to clarify thoughts, goals, and dreams. Fallon’s practical advice is particularly beneficial for nonprofit leaders who seek to harness the reflective practice of journaling (a big part of our Mastermind program) as part of their professional development and strategic planning . . ."
Keep Going
Austin Kleon
"This book is a beacon for anyone seeking to sustain their creative momentum and drive, regardless of external pressures or challenges. It also serves as the perfect culminating read for each cohort of our Mastermind program! Kleon offers practical advice that is especially pertinent for leaders in the nonprofit sector who need to keep their teams inspired and innovative . . ."
Tranquility by Tuesday
Laura Vanderkam
"This insightful book provides a practical roadmap to reorganizing your life around the things that matter most. Vanderkam's expert advice on managing time effectively is invaluable for nonprofit leaders seeking to balance high demands with personal well-being. Here’s why Tranquility by Tuesday is essential for leaders in the nonprofit sector . . ."
The Performance Paradox
Eduardo Briceño
"This insightful book challenges traditional notions of high performance, advocating for a more balanced approach that integrates well-being with achievement. Briceño’s research-backed framework is a game-changer for nonprofit leaders striving to optimize their teams' effectiveness while ensuring their well-being . . ."
Limitless
Jim Kwik
"This book is a powerful guide to enhancing mental performance and productivity. Kwik provides tools and insights for breaking through self-imposed limitations and achieving new levels of success. Here’s why Limitless is crucial for nonprofit leaders . . ."
Designing Your Life
Bill Burnett & Dave Evans
"This innovative book applies the principles of design thinking to personal and professional development, offering a unique approach to constructing a fulfilling life and career. Here’s why Designing Your Life is essential for nonprofit leaders . . ."
The Surprising Science of Meetings
Steven G. Rogelberg
"This groundbreaking book offers a data-driven approach to transforming one of the most dreaded parts of organizational life: meetings. Rogelberg uses his research to provide practical strategies that ensure meetings boost productivity, rather than drain it. Here’s why The Surprising Science of Meetings is essential . . ."
Dare to Lead
Brene Brown
"This transformative book dives deep into the heart of leadership, challenging leaders to embrace vulnerability and courage as central components of their management and communication strategies. Brown's research-backed insights offer a powerful blueprint for building resilient and inclusive organizations. Here’s why Dare to Lead is indispensable for nonprofit leaders . . ."
Thinking in Bets
Annie Duke
"This insightful book offers a compelling new approach to decision-making in environments of uncertainty, using lessons from poker to inform smarter strategies in business and life. Here’s why Thinking in Bets is essential reading for nonprofit leaders . . ."
All It Takes Is a Goal
Jon Acuff
"This motivational book unpacks the transformative power of setting and pursuing clear, actionable goals. Acuff’s engaging style and practical advice make this book a must-read for nonprofit leaders who aim to turn their aspirations into achievements. Here’s why All It Takes is a Goal is indispensable . . ."
Outer Order Inner Calm
Gretchen Rubin
"In Outer Order, Inner Calm by Gretchen Rubin, readers are guided through simple steps to declutter their surroundings and their minds, enhancing overall well-being and productivity. Here’s why this book is a must-read for leaders . . ."
The Manager's Handbook
David Dodson
"Discover The Manager’s Handbook: 104 Strategies for Leading Your Employees by David Dodson. This practical guide provides actionable advice for leaders at all levels, offering easy-to-implement strategies for managing teams effectively. Here’s why this book is invaluable . . ."
Multipliers
Liz Wiseman
"This compelling book reveals how leaders can amplify the intelligence and capabilities of their teams, turning average groups into exceptional ones. Here’s why Multipliers is essential reading for nonprofit leaders . . ."
Engine of Impact
Kim Jonker
"This book is a must-read for any nonprofit leader seeking to harness the full potential of their organization through strategic leadership and impactful execution. Meehan and Jonker provide a comprehensive guide to achieving excellence in the nonprofit sector . . ."
Blue Ocean Strategy
Renee Mauborgne
"Blue Ocean Strategy by Renee Mauborgne challenges leaders to create new markets, transforming the competitive landscape. Essential for nonprofits seeking innovation, it provides a blueprint for navigating and dominating unexplored market spaces. Here’s why it's critical . . ."
The First 90 Days
Michael Watkins
"In The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins, leaders find essential strategies for succeeding in new roles. This book is a must-have for nonprofit leaders transitioning into new positions, providing a roadmap for impactful leadership from day one . . ."
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The Power of Full Engagement
Jim Loehr & Tony Schwartz
"This transformative book redefines performance through effective energy management, rather than mere time management, providing nonprofit leaders with strategies for maintaining high performance without burnout . . ."
Collecting Courage
Nneka Allen
"Collecting Courage by Nneka Allen offers poignant insights from Black fundraisers, providing a critical perspective on overcoming institutional racism within philanthropy . . ."
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Atomic Habits
James Clear
"This influential book unpacks the power of small habit changes that lead to remarkable results. Ideal for nonprofit leaders, it offers tools for creating effective personal habits that enhance organizational performance. Here’s why Atomic Habits is crucial . . ."
Quiet
Susan Cain
"This groundbreaking book is a must-read for leaders and aspiring leaders in the nonprofit sector, particularly those who identify as introverts or work closely with them. Cain's profound insights into the strengths and contributions of introverted individuals challenge the conventional wisdom that leadership should always be loud and assertive. Here’s why Quiet is indispensable for nonprofit leadership..."
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Mindset
Carol S. Dweck
"This seminal book is the cornerstone of our approach to cultivating leadership in the philanthropic sector and is also the first book we send in our welcome package to members of our Mastermind Leadership Program. Adopting a growth mindset is critical to..."
Getting Things Done
David Allen
This book was a game changer for me, and a vital tool for nonprofit leaders seeking to enhance their organizational skills and achieve peak productivity without the stress that our "hustle culture" often suggests. It complements the objectives of our Mastermind Leadership Program by providing . . .
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Presence
Amy Cuddy
This book is a treasure trove for nonprofit leaders aiming to confront their greatest challenges with confidence and authenticity. In harmony with the ethos of our Mastermind Leadership Program, Cuddy’s insights offer transformative strategies for embodying presence - unlocking the full spectrum of . . .
Slow Productivity
Cal Newport
This book offers a lifeline to nonprofit leaders who are striving to do meaningful work without succumbing to burnout. Newport’s three-part framework guides readers toward a more fulfilling and impactful approach to productivity. Here’s why each component of this framework is crucial . . .
Reinventing You
Dorie Clark
This insightful book is a beacon for emerging and mid-career nonprofit professionals who are at a crossroads, looking to refine their personal brand or pivot their career path within the vibrant nonprofit sector. Clark's guide is an essential resource for anyone aiming to leverage . . .
Never Eat Alone
Keith Ferrazzi
This insightful book is a guide to the transformative power of relationships, making it an invaluable resource for nonprofit leaders who thrive on collaboration and networking. Ferrazzi’s approach to building lasting, mutually beneficial connections offers practical strategies that can help . . .
GRIT
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 . . .
Deep Work
Cal Newport
This influential book is a critical resource for anyone looking to sharpen their focus and maximize their impact in the philanthropic sector. It aligns with our commitment in the Mastermind Leadership Program to equip nonprofit leaders with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of their roles effectively. Why is Deep Work essential reading for . . .
