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PATTON'S PICKS BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

Find Your Next Transformative Book

Patton's Picks: Essential Reads for Nonprofit Leaders

At PMA Nonprofit Leadership, we enhance our leadership development and coaching services by curating impactful books that broaden your understanding of key leadership principles. These recommended titles have profoundly influenced my approach to nonprofit leadership and I believe they will provide valuable insights and practical strategies to help you excel on your own leadership path. Explore these transformative works and start shaping your journey today!

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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 . . ."

 

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 . . ."

 

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 . . . 

 

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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 . . . 

 

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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   . . . 

 

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