Patton’s Pick: Wait, What?

Leadership Resources for the Philanthropic Sector

This edition of Patton’s Picks features Wait, What? by James E. Ryan. Adapted from his viral Harvard commencement speech, this short but powerful book offers five essential questions that can transform the way leaders think, listen, and connect. For nonprofit professionals navigating complexity and change, Ryan’s questions provide a simple yet profound framework for clarity, curiosity, and humility.

Top Takeaways for Nonprofit Leaders:

Communication & Brand Building

• “Wait, what?” encourages listening before reacting - crucial for internal and external messaging.

Strategic Planning & Visioning

• “Couldn’t we at least...?” is a practical tool for overcoming gridlock and generating momentum.

Leadership & Team Development

• “I wonder…?” invites curiosity and cultivates a culture of learning and growth.

  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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