Too Busy to Read? (Find the Time - It's Worth It)

Join us in welcoming this week's guest blogger, Dr. Patton McDowell, CFRE, MBA!

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Years ago, a colleague challenged me to read more. I shrugged it off, saying, “I’m too busy.”  But deep down, I knew they were right. Scrolling bite-sized pieces of content really wasn't enough, even though that was my other rationalization. That moment proved to be a turning point. I had the time - I just wasn’t prioritizing it. Once I made the decision to invest more in reading, it transformed my growth as a leader and as a lifelong learner.

As a nonprofit leader, I know you're busy. But making time to read isn’t just a luxury - it’s an investment in yourself. Reading broadens your perspective, sharpens decision-making, and provides clarity in uncertain times. It’s a secret weapon of great leaders, fueling innovation, empathy, and resilience. Whether you’re leading a small team or guiding an entire organization, carving out time to read is one of the most impactful habits you can develop.

I still remember the first book that changed the way I thought about leadership: Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi. It completely reshaped how I approached strategic networking and community development. Throughout my career, specific books have helped me navigate various challenges and learning deficiencies. And what a ROI you can get! A few hours of reading allows me to capture decades of advice from a national or even global expert. I now look forward to recommended readings from others and eagerly make my list of topics to explore on strategy, sustainability, psychology and other futurist topics that interest me. As a way to share my enthusiasm, I even started my own list of recommended readings, sharing one each week on Patton’s Picks, which I hope becomes a hub for book recommendations for every stage of nonprofit leadership.

As we roll into 2025, here are five standout books from the past year (plus a fun bonus read!) that might help you activate your reading plan. Each one offers valuable insights for leaders at any level:

1. Slow Productivity by Cal Newport: A game-changer for overwhelmed leaders balancing ambition with sustainable productivity. I’ve admired Newport’s work ever since a friend gifted me a signed copy of Deep Work - still one of my all-time favorites.
2. The Snowball (Warren Buffett biography) by Alice Schroeder: A fascinating dive into the discipline, decision-making, and productivity that shaped Buffett’s legendary career in investing (and philanthropy).
3. The Future Is Faster Than You Think by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler: My most recommended book of 2024. It's a must-read for anyone navigating rapid change in today’s world.
4. Flash Foresight by Daniel Burrus: Though published in 2011, its timeless lessons continue to inspire innovation and fresh thinking in the nonprofit sector.
5. Tranquility by Tuesday by Laura Vanderkam: Perfect for busy leaders, this book offers practical strategies to manage time and stay grounded.

Bonus Fun Read: How to Survive History by Cody Cassidy: If you’ve ever wondered how to survive the Titanic if you were a passenger or outrun a T. Rex if you time-traveled to that era, this imaginative and entertaining book is for you. (Despite my confidence, my kids still think I wouldn’t stand a chance against the dinosaurs 😩)

These are just a few of the titles I’ve curated in Patton’s Picks. Which ones might make your 2025 reading list? Or do you have a recommendation for me? I’m always on the lookout for my next good read.  

A Note From Armstrong McGuire: In a world clouded with uncertainty, we are grateful for Patton McDowell’s reminder of the power of reading. As Patton states above, “Reading broadens your perspective, sharpens decision-making, and provides clarity in uncertain times. It’s a secret weapon of great leaders, fueling innovation, empathy, and resilience." Now feels like a great time to read, so we hope you will check out some of Patton’s top picks. Or, if you would rather just talk, our team is here. Let us know if you want to grab a cup of coffee or jump on a Zoom: Get In Touch.

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Dr. Patton McDowell, CFRE, MBA, founded PMA Nonprofit Leadership in 2009. He is the author of the best-selling book, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, and host of the weekly podcast, brought to you in partnership with Armstrong McGuire, with the same name. 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. Patton and his team also lead the Armstrong McGuire Interim Management Institute. To learn more about the Institute, register for our free information session on March 7 at noon.