Common Purpose South Africa Impact Report on Course Alumni
In 2005, the founding funder of Common Purpose South Africa
commissioned an impact report to assess the value of their
investment. The following is an exerpt from that report:
"The impact of leadership projects such as Common Purpose is
usually indirect, subtle and manifests over time. As such it is
difficult to measure or quantify. Yet, there are unambiguous and
consistent remarks from interviewees that lend themselves to some
ideas about the broader consequences of this project. In my
opinion, these are: increased awareness of issues facing the city,
personal change and leadership development, increased optimism and
commitment to the future of the city, new projects and
collaborations, new networks and partnership skills, appreciation
for the systems and officials of the city, improved relationship
and network building and greater tolerance and appreciation of
diversity."
Greater tolerance and appreciation of diversity
"The programme showed me that difference is safe and can
be worked with effectively."
Matrix graduate and previous Director, People Opposing Women
Abuse (POWA)
"Exchanging ideas with such different people is one of
the most important contributions of Navigator."
Navigator graduate and Project Manager, Department of Arts and
Culture
New perspectives of self
"I opened up to who I really am. I can now see where I
fit in and can make a difference. This impacts on the city because
I'm a more well-rounded contributor.''
Navigator graduate and Marketing Co-ordinator, Johannesburg
Development Agency
Increased awareness of local issues
"You can't get this kind of exposure from daily life.
Even as a city official, I was exposed to issues I didn't know
about."
Matrix graduate and Project Manager, City of
Johannesburg
"It's easy to give people information but far more
difficult to develop their political acumen and social conscience.
I see Common Purpose doing this more effectively than any other
leadership programme to which I've been exposed, even as an MBA
graduate."
Founding Board member and General Manager, De Beers
Who benefits from Common Purpose?
Personal Change and Leadership Development
"Common Purpose strengthens the leadership of many
institutions in the city by the impact it has on individuals from
those institutions. This is sustainable development, and
contributes a huge amount to the building of South
Africa."
Matrix graduate and HR Coordinator, CARE SA
"There is a dearth of principled leadership in South
Africa and Common Purpose has the ability to provide a pool of
potential leaders without tunnel vision."
Matrix graduate and previous CEO, Truth and Reconciliation
Commission
Inter-personal and soft-skill development
"I improved my ability to listen to different
voices."
Matrix graduate and previous Director, People Opposing Women
Abuse (POWA)
"After Matrix, I am wiser, more consultative and more
astute as a business person. I also take my responsibilities more
seriously and I'm not so hard-headed."
Matrix graduate, Deputy Managing Director, BBDO
Network
"I was an introvert but after Navigator I can approach
people. Being put in the deep end [doing presentations] has helped
my confidence and also my ability to negotiate with
people."
Navigator graduate and Centre Manager, LifeLine
