Workshop 2: Mission (What You Do)

Expected Duration: 1-2 hours of full uninterrupted focus

Overview

The mission defines what the family office does today—its core activities, who it serves, and how it delivers value. It should focus on the present and be actionable, building directly on the purpose you defined in Workshop 1.

What You'll Achieve

By the end of this workshop, you will have:

• A clear, actionable mission statement
• Defined core activities and beneficiaries
• A practical guide for strategy and operations

Pre-Workshop Preparation

• Review your Purpose statement from Workshop 1
• Consider your current activities and stakeholders
• Please send any feedback to etienne@familyofx.com

Workshop Structure

Step 1: Ask These Questions

Reflect deeply on these operational questions:

• What is our primary focus in managing family wealth? (e.g., preservation, growth, impact investing)
• Who do we serve? (e.g., current family members, future generations)
• How do we achieve our objectives? (e.g., through diversified investments, philanthropy, or tailored strategies)
• What makes our approach unique or valuable?

Step 2: Key Elements to Consider

Structure your thinking around these components:

What: The core activities

• Managing investments
• Enabling philanthropy
• Supporting family goals
• Wealth preservation and growth

Who: The beneficiaries

• Current family members
• Future generations
• Community stakeholders
• Broader society

How: The principles or methods used

• Long-term planning
• Sustainable practices
• Personalised strategies
• Risk management

Step 3: Collaborative Activity

Materials Needed: Post-it notes, large board or wall space

1. Individual Reflection (15 minutes)
   • Write 2–3 concise answers to the questions above on Post-its
   • Focus on specific, actionable activities
2. Group Clustering (20 minutes)
   • Place the notes on a board
   • Group similar ideas together
   • Label the clusters (e.g., "Preservation," "Growth," "Impact Investing")
3. Discussion and Prioritisation (25 minutes)
   • Discuss each cluster
   • Identify your primary activities and focus areas
   • Ensure alignment with your purpose

Step 4: Draft the Mission Statement

Use this proven formula:

"We what you do for who you serve by how you do it."

Example Mission Statements:

• "We preserve and grow family wealth to provide stability and opportunities for current and future generations."
• "We steward and grow family wealth to support future generations and create a positive impact through philanthropy and sustainable investment."
• "We deliver tailored investment strategies and philanthropic initiatives to create long-term impact for our family and the world."
• "We ensure the continuity of our family's values and legacy through disciplined wealth management and purpose-driven investments."

Step 5: Testing and Validation

Evaluate your mission statement:

• Is it clear and specific enough to guide decisions?
• Does it reflect what you actually do today?
• Does it align with your purpose from Workshop 1?
• Can stakeholders understand your value proposition?
• Is it actionable and measurable?

Expected Outcomes

This workshop creates clarity and practical direction. You'll leave with:

• A clear mission statement that guides operations
• Defined scope of activities and beneficiaries
• Alignment between purpose and daily actions
• Foundation for strategic planning

Implementation Tips

• Post your mission statement where it's visible to all team members
• Use it to evaluate new opportunities and initiatives
• Reference it in important decisions
• Review and refine annually as your organization evolves

Next Steps

Your mission statement will guide Workshop 3: Vision (Where You're Going), helping you articulate your aspirational future goals.

This workshop is part of the Family Office Strategic Planning Series. Each workshop builds upon the previous one to create a comprehensive framework for long-term success.