Jonathan Pool

How to create a core purpose statement in one hour or less!

Yes, it is possible to craft a core purpose statement in short order.  A core purpose statement identifies why an entity exists.  This process works for both an organization and an individual.

Here's what it takes.

 

STEP ONE

It all starts with a wall of perspective.  You have one don't you? :-)

A wall of perspective is a gathering of information that answers the questions:

- Where have we been?

- How did we get to where we are now?

It allows us to begin to answer the question:

- Who are we at the core?

 

 

The definition of perspective is - the faculty of seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship. 

The key to perspective is SEEING    ALL    the RELEVANT data at once.  This is where the wall of perspective comes into play.  We can see it all at once.  It allows us to see patterns and themes that point to who we are at the core.  It gives us data to draw from as we craft our core statements.

 

 

 

In a group setting, it is important for all members to understand the journey -

- Where we have been

 - How we got to where we are now

 

Take the time to walk through the journey of the organization

 

 

STEP TWO

Draft a list of all the verbs and nouns that show up in the wall of perspective.

    Find all the verbs and list them on one side of a page.

    Find all the nouns and list them on the other side of the sheet

 

 

STEP THREE

 

Pick the top three verbs and nouns that resonate with you and speak to the question of why the entity exists.

 

Here each member of the group is marking their top three choices for verbs and nouns.

 

Find concensus and use those as the top three. 

 

 

STEP FOUR

Start generating sentences that use the verbs and nouns from the list. 

Don't use all the verbs and nouns in one sentence - it will be meaningless and unremarkable. 

Limit yourself to sentences of 14 words or less.  We want the end result to be memorable and remarkable.

Generate sentences even if they seem trivial.  Allow the creative process to flow.  Feel free to change the verbs and nouns as you go if new ones come to mind that seem a better fit.  There is a very good chance that the end result will not use any of the original verbs and nouns.

Be ruthless in getting the right words in the statement.  You will feel it if the statement is ambiguous, or not specific enough.  Don't let it stand if that is the case.

 

 

STEP FIVE

Try your final statement on.  Do you see how the organization lives out this core purpose statement in everything they do that gives them meaning and purpose?  Does it ring true?

Tweak the specific words in the phrase, and the arrangement of the words until you see it and sense it.  You will know when you have it right.

Got it?  Congratulations!  A core purpose statement that is short, concise, memorable, and remarkable. 

Now go live it out in everything you do!

I help others see what they can be

Are you -

Striving against the odds to be and do something great?

Struggling to get to the heart of what holds you or your business back?

Seeking clarity and truth on who you are at the core and what will give you meaning?

I've been there and walked the journey from darkness into the light.  I can offer the resources and encouragement to help you break free and move in a new direction.

I am a teacher, speaker, scout and guide to those who desire to make a difference in their life and work.

I make a difference in everything I do.

How can I make a difference for you?

 

What I do

I am the Professor of Idea and Opportunity at Free Agent Academy

                                                    

I am a certified Paterson Process Strategic Facilitator

                                          

The greatest business visionary of the 20th Century you've never heard of

The caffeine free soft drink in your cup holder 

The onboard electronic display in your automobile 

The ATM machine at the local convenience store 

The screw top on the milk carton in your refrigerator

All of these were conceived, designed, or facilitated by Tom Paterson - the greatest business visionary of the 20th century you've never heard of.  Trained as an engineer, Tom used his design, organizational, behavioral, and process management skills over the course of his career to impact our world in a dramatic way.

  

A brief history of Tom Paterson

While with RCA corporation he was responsible for the first patent of the ATM machine, found the technology that made the first lightweight camcorder possible, introduced automotive electronics to the auto industry, and supervised the development of the electronic systems for Disney – the most advanced commercial command and control system of its day.

At IBM he identified civilian space as a major aerospace initiative, architected the Apollo marketing plan, and prevailed in having the Lunar Lander be astronaut guided instead of automated for moon landings.

He created the business plan for the DC-8 at Douglas Aircraft. He developed a cost projection and management system that allowed Northrup to create the stealth bomber at a fixed price, and developed a planning process widely recognized as the most effective in the aerospace industry.

His idea of overnight delivery for Flying Tigers became the key profit driver in their sale to FedEx. He facilitated a planning session with Seven-Up that birthed the “caffeine-free” category of soft drinks.

Tom was a close associate of Peter Drucker - the founder of modern business management practice, and their working relationship spanned over 35 years.  Those who knew the duo refered to Peter as the business theorist and Tom as the process practician.

The Paterson Process

In the 1970's based on a challenge from the head of corporate planning for the Ingersoll-Rand corporation Tom conceived a process to create a business plan for a large corporation in several days - and the signature Paterson Process was born.

The Paterson Process, or StratOp as it is also known, radically altered the landscape of strategic planning.  The traditional method - strategic plans created by consultants at great effort and considerable cost typically were cumbersome and never implemented.  Tom's plan, created by the executive team of the firm, based on their wisdom and knowledge guaranteed ownership of the plan and provided a lightweight structure for implementation.

Countless business benefited from Tom's StratOp process.  Estee Lauder said she had never seen such an effective strategic plan assembled by her people and guided by Tom's facilitation.  Vincent Larson, chairman of IBM said "We have never seen better." and wanted Tom to teach his processes to IBM.

Tom is in his 80's now and just recently began to pass on his legacy to those who are gifted and passionate about helping organizations and individuals discover and live their unique purposes in an ever-changing world.

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I am honored and fortunate to be one of a small group of individuals who are certified in his process - The Paterson Process