Three stages of nonprofit leadership with Patton McDowell

Feb 27, 2024

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In episode 92 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Patton McDowell explore the multi-generational nonprofit workforce, discussing the unique hurdles and opportunities that come with each stage of a non-profit career—from emerging leaders grappling with gaining practical experience to mid-career professionals encountering a plateau, and up to executive directors feeling isolated at the top. They underscore the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the benefits of strategic personal planning.

Show highlights:

Generational Workforce Challenges

- [00:07:00] Discussion on the challenges faced by different generations in the nonprofit sector.

Opportunity and Experience for Emerging Leaders

- [00:08:05] Patton talks about the emerging leader generation facing the issue of opportunity and joy market entry difficulties

Mid-Career Plateau

- [00:19:25] Patton introduces the idea of a "mid-career plateau" and how to overcome it.

Non-Traditional Career Paths

- [00:22:00] Carol discusses lateral moves and specialization as alternatives to traditional progression.

Executive Leadership Loneliness

- [00:24:22] Patton discusses the isolation felt by those in executive leadership roles.

Co-Executive Director Model

- [00:29:00] Carol asks Patton about shared leadership roles and his views on them.

Predictable Turnover

- [00:33:00] Carol reflects on predictable turnover and proactive recruitment approaches.

Organizational Exchanges

- [00:39:10] Patton and Carol discuss the benefits of organizational exchanges and site visits.

Personal Retreat for Leaders - [00:42:20] Patton recommends nonprofit leaders take personal retreats for strategic planning and Carol speaks on her own practice of personal strategic planning.

Guest Bio: Patton is the Founder of PMA Nonprofit Leadership, a coaching and consulting firm specializing in leadership development, fundraising, and strategic planning for nonprofits. He led fundraising efforts at two universities after starting his career at Special Olympics International. He's a Master Trainer for AFP Global, hosts the podcast Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, and authored a best-selling book of the same name. He holds a bachelor's degree from UNC Chapel Hill, an MBA from Queens University of Charlotte, and a Doctorate from the University of Southern California. Patton currently serves as an Executive in Residence at the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell University.

Important Links and Resources:

Patton McDowell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattonmcdowell/

PMA Nonprofit https://www.pmanonprofit.com/

Charlie Gilkey - https://www.productiveflourishing.com/

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