Workshop 1: Purpose (Why You Exist)

Expected Duration: 1-2 hours of full uninterrupted focus

Overview

Purpose goes deeper than the mission—it's the ultimate reason the organisation exists beyond profit. This foundational workshop will help you discover and articulate what truly drives your family office.

"If you want everything to remain the same, everything must change. Starting with a purpose leads to financial success."

What You'll Achieve

By the end of this workshop, you will have:

• A clear understanding of your family office's deeper purpose
• A meaningful purpose statement that resonates with all stakeholders
• Alignment on the fundamental "why" behind your organisation

Pre-Workshop Preparation

Please send any feedback or questions to etienne@familyofx.com

Workshop Structure

Step 1: Ask These Questions

Take time to deeply consider these fundamental questions:

• Why does this organisation exist?
• What problem are we trying to solve?
• What difference do we want to make in the world?
• What are our motivations?

Step 2: Frame the Discussion

Focus your thinking around these key areas:

Impact:

• What positive change will result from our work?
• What values do we want to pass down?

Legacy:

• What will people remember us for in 10, 50, or 100 years?
• Is it wealth preservation, philanthropy, or creating opportunities for future generations?

Step 3: Collaborative Activity

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

1. Individual Brainstorming (15 minutes)
   • Write 2–5 ideas each on Post-its (one idea per note)
   • Focus on authentic motivations and desired impact
2. Group Clustering (20 minutes)
   • Place the notes on a board
   • Group similar ideas together
   • Label the clusters (e.g., "Empowerment," "Sustainability," "Generational Wealth")
3. Discussion and Refinement (30 minutes)
   • Discuss each cluster
   • Identify common themes
   • Explore the deeper meaning behind each grouping

Step 4: Draft the Purpose Statement

Use this proven formula:

"To achieve positive change by action or approach."

Example Purpose Statements:

• "To preserve and grow our family legacy while empowering future generations to create sustainable impact."
• "To steward our resources responsibly, creating lasting value for our family and positive change in the world."
• "To build generational wealth that enables our family to live with purpose and contribute meaningfully to society."

Step 5: Testing and Validation

Ask yourselves:

• Does this statement capture our deepest motivations?
• Will this inspire us during challenging times?
• Does it differentiate us and reflect our unique values?
• Can we see ourselves living by this purpose for decades?

Expected Outcomes

This workshop should be an enjoyable exercise that creates alignment among all participants. You'll leave with:

• A clear, authentic purpose statement
• Shared understanding of your family office's fundamental reason for being
• Strong foundation for all future strategic decisions

Next Steps

Your purpose statement will serve as the foundation for Workshop 2: Mission (What You Do). Keep your purpose visible and refer to it throughout your strategic planning process.

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.