The Purpose Frame provides a way to satisfy the purpose of a person’s request without necessarily giving them what they actually ask for.
Below is a demonstration on how to apply the Purpose Frame using two imaginary individuals – Tom and Jerry. For our example, Jerry will be using the purpose frame to address a request made by Tom.
Tom makes a request (X) of Jerry
Jerry responds – (X), for what purpose?
Tom responds – (X) for the purpose of (Y).
Jerry offers an alternative to (X) that satisfies Jerry’s purpose of (Y).
The Purpose Frame is designed to produce a win-win outcome, while compromising, that still satisfies the original desired request.