Common Purpose was founded in 1989 and now runs programmes in 70 cities and regions in 12 countries around the world. Over 25,000 leaders have participated in our programmes. In the UK, more than 70% of FTSE 100 companies, as well as many smaller organisations, have used Common Purpose to develop their leaders. They, and their organisations, consistently report better strategic thinking, better decision-making, dramatically enhanced leadership competencies and a greater ability to apply them in new situations as a result of their experience of Common Purpose.
Common Purpose helps people in leadership and decision-making positions to be more effective: in their own organisations, in the community and in society as a whole. We run a variety of programmes for leaders of all ages, backgrounds and sectors, in order to provide them with the knowledge, connections and inspiration they need to make change happen.
“The view from your office window seldom changes. If we want our leaders to see the bigger picture, they have to go out and see the world through other people’s eyes.”
David Bell, Chairman, Financial Times and Director for People, Pearson plc.
This blog is for participants, graduates and contributors to Common Purpose programmes.
Common Purpose would like to create the opportunity to show the benefits of participating in one of our leadership programmes – by capturing the reflections of current and recent participants about their programme, and to promote the many achievements of Common Purpose graduates that are making a positive contribution to their workplaces and communities.
We would like to take the opportunity to ask participants, graduates and contributors to, if they wish, post a comment on their Common Purpose experience and the impact of the programme.
You can also find out more about Common Purpose on its blog.
My 10 days on the Common Purpose Matrix programme in Milton Keynes was a real eye-opener. I’ve now seen so much more under the skin of the city. I really looked forward to the Common Purpose course days and since graduating I’ve taken up a couple of fairly high profile roles in groups in the city, influencing outside of my sphere of authority.
Alan Bullen
MD, Lynx Networks plc
By: Alan Bullen on 19 May, 2008
at 11:21 am
Some years ago I chose to attend a graduate programme. Seeing and experiencing a very different angle of vision on my local community was really useful. It has helped me work more effectively with different people. Anyone who gives a bit of time for Common Purpose can get a lot back.
Clive Bonny
Strategic Management Partners
By: Clive Bonny on 19 May, 2008
at 4:02 pm
Common Purpose has been wonderful in encouraging people to think outside their normal boxes in relation to their responsibilities as citizens. It has challenged us to look differently and deeper at the issues we normally only visit through the variously tinted specs of the media. It has mixed people who would never normally mix and showed us all how very much more complex our world is. Common Purpose challenges us to be better democrats as individuals. It pushes nothing in but draws a lot out. We learn internally and use externally only what we choose to use.
By: Alison Chandler on 23 May, 2008
at 9:56 am
I recently participated in a Focus Programme in Sheffield, I was impressed by the diversity of people on the programme, people from across all sectors. I was particularly interested when it quickly became clear that although Inevitably the context was often different, many similar leadership challenges existed across all sectors. By engaging in some of the conversations clear solutions began to emerge that would be beneficial across sectors indeed some of the solutions were about developing partnerships that could be extremely effective.
I think that Common Purpose delivers a tremendous personal development opportunity that is underpinned by the ability to nurture an effective network!! It is achieved by encouraging individuals to think beyond what is normal in the workplace, to consider the importance of not compromising values either personal or organisational This can only enhance my contribution to my work and to society in general.
Thank you for a very positive experience and an opportunity to mix with many whom I may never have met. I look forward to attending a future programme should the opportunity arise.
By: Bob Bridge on 28 May, 2008
at 3:11 pm
Common Purpose has been an excellent networking experience. I have met people from backgrounds accross all three sectors. This adds variety of perspective to discussions and informs a broader debate. Workshops and visits have been well organised and interesting apealling to a number of tastes. Visits demonstrated change management in action. It has enabled me to think more outside the box and to realise I need to value my networks more. I would encourage any senior manager to apply.
By: Florence Mccready on 28 May, 2008
at 3:20 pm
Common Purpose has opened my eyes, and potentially changed my life. For too long I have sat doing the day job and not realising what was happening around me. The people I have met, and the presentations I have attended, have made me realise I want to be involved in the bigger picture and really make a difference. Leading beyond authority – it has a great ring to it, and I would recommend anyone to take the opportunity to do the programme if given a chance.
By: Jill Marsden on 3 June, 2008
at 9:22 am
Common Purpose has been the most challenging and rewarding programme I have ever been on. It puts you into situations outside you’re comfort zone but this experience makes you all the stronger and gives you the confidence to utilise that strength in your “day job”. I have asked for two of my staff to go on a short taster Common Purpose programme as I am sure it will greatly benefit their personal development. I would have no hesitation to recommend Common Purpose to anyone who is looking to lead beyond authority.
By: David Howell on 3 June, 2008
at 9:15 pm
I have taken part in Common Purpose programmes as a speaker, Matrix participant and now as a staff member! That alone should attest to the value I see in the Common Purpose approach to leadership – experiential, active, connected. People change hearts and minds on these programmes, and come away with far more than only information and skills. I still benefit from the exposure and connections I got from my own programme.
By: Angela Deutschmann on 4 June, 2008
at 2:56 pm
My experience of Common Purpose has been a brilliant one. I didn’t know this city at all, and now I feel that I have a good grasp of it, and know where to turn. The diversity of the group, from all secotrs, was huge. The range of discussions, meetings, talks and visits was broad and cemprehensive.
The networks and relationships I developed will, I hope, last for many years, and the serious thinking we gave to leadership and its many facets willserve me well in my working life.
I’d highly recommend Common Purpose to anyone who wants to lead in any context, in any city in the World.
By: Mark Feakins on 10 June, 2008
at 4:20 pm
I have been associated with Common Purpose for over 10 years giving contributions to programmes in Leeds and Yorkshire.
My job with the Leeds Initiative is all about making connections, and finding ways to involve people and organisations in the solutions which will deliver our Vision for Leeds
In a modern changing world organisations of all kinds need leaders not followers, need the empowered not the passive, and need those in the Know, not those who assume.
Common purpose makes a vital contribution to developing people who can lead their communities, can think for themselves, and can understand different points of view and needs, and can make connections which make a difference.
By: Martin Dean on 17 June, 2008
at 4:06 pm
I enjoyed my Common Purpose matrix course back in 2001, but have felt for some time that any organisation promoting leadership for social benefits should encourage participants to embrace open communication methods. I think that would be the best antidote to current criticism from the BBC http://socialreporter.com/?p=531
By: David Wilcox on 9 March, 2009
at 9:27 am