Patton’s Picks: Good Strategy/Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt

Leadership Resources for the Philanthropic Sector

Strategy is not a list of goals - it is a clear diagnosis and focused action.

In Good Strategy/Bad Strategy, Richard Rumelt dismantles vague vision statements and replaces them with disciplined thinking. Real strategy identifies the core challenge and concentrates resources accordingly.

Why this matters for nonprofit leaders:

• Ambiguity weakens execution
• Priorities require trade-offs
• Focus creates momentum

Three Mastermind Skills Strengthened:

• Vision & Strategic Thinking - clarity replaces wishful thinking
• Financial & Operational Management - resources align with priorities
• Governance & Ethical Leadership - disciplined focus improves accountability

Leadership takeaway: If everything is a priority, nothing is strategic. Identify the crux - and align your organization around it.

Learn more about the Mastermind Program here.

Dr. Patton McDowell, CFRE, MBA, is the creator of the innovative 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. Patton has guided hundreds of nonprofit leaders to help them achieve their fullest potential. A Certified Fundraising Executive and Master Trainer for AFP Global, he serves as Director of the Institute for Philanthropic Leadership.

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