TN48 Let's get purpose statements right

First published on this website in April 2009 and last updated in February 2023

Synopsis

This is written to clarify and commend the idea of a purpose statement. There are eight sections in question format.

1. What are we talking about? The idea of purpose and the many applications for such a statement.
2. What is purpose? It answers the question 'Why?', the fundamental question we tend to duck.
3. What is a 'purpose statement'? What matters is the purpose - this is just a memorable and shortened form of it.
4. How should we answer the 'Why?' question. Start not with 'because' but with 'so that' to pull you into the future.
5. Is this the same as a 'vision statement'? No - they are quite different though many people muddle them up. Purpose answers the 'Why?' question and is about us. Vision answers the 'Where to?' question and is about God.
6. What else needs to be asked other than 'Why?' A question of 'Who?' and one of 'What?'.
7. How do people take it for themselves? It has to apply to every department or it is meaningless.
8. Is it worth it? A list of reasons why it is.

These notes have been updated in February 2023 with some layout amendments.