11: Planning for 2020? Start With These 4 Year-End Exercises to Close Out 2019 First (Patton McDowell)

#011: Planning for 2020? Start With These 4 Year-End Exercises to Close Out 2019 First (Patton McDowell)

Summary

While it’s hard not to look ahead to a new year (and a new decade) in 2020, this episode of the Path reminds us that a good annual review process helps clarify and sharpen your focus for the year ahead. Patton outlines four distinct exercises that will help guide your review in a way that goes further than simply answering whether you achieved your goals or not.  This special episode - and the first in a mini-series - provides practical advice that can jump start your planning process, no matter what time of year you choose to tackle it.  Listen to this episode to explore:

1. Three levels of a strategic calendar review

2.  A qualitative review of your top accomplishments and challenges, and then an assessment of the six key rituals and routines

3. A targeted decluttering exercise (no, it’s not great fun, but worth it)

4. Recapturing the year’s professional development content for action

These activities will get you beyond setting vague annual goals, and help you put practical steps in place to accelerate Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership.  Hit subscribe, and accelerate your journey on a nonprofit career path that can change your life!

About Patton

Prior to founding PMA Consulting in 2009, Patton served as Vice President for University Advancement at Queens University of Charlotte where he was responsible for all fundraising, communications, and alumni programs for the university.  Before Queens, Patton served as Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at UNC Wilmington, where he was the youngest vice chancellor in the 16- campus UNC system.  He previously served as Program Director for Special Olympics North Carolina in Raleigh, following his tenure with Special Olympics International in Washington, D.C.  He is a native of Elizabeth City, NC, and received a bachelor’s degree in English Education from UNC Chapel Hill, where he was a Morehead Scholar.  He received his MBA from the McColl School of Business at Queens, and his Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California.  He is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), a Master Trainer for AFP International, and a member of the William C. Friday Fellowship for Human Relations.  Patton is a former board president of AFP Charlotte and served as the Chapter Representative on the AFP International Board.  He also serves as the Lead Faculty Member for the Institute for Philanthropic Leadership and both of its signature programs: New Development Director Training and Leadership Gift School.  Patton and his wife Cindy have three adult children.