Bob Buford is serving as a contributing writer to the American City Business Journals.

Twice per month, Bob’s writing is featured in 46 Business Journals across the U.S. This week’s article features current Halftime Institute CEO and new author, Dean Niewolny. Dean’s debut book, Trade Up releases on July 18.

For a complete list of all Bob Buford’s articles in the American City Business Journals, CLICK HERE. 

How to Do Your Most Important Work as a Leader

Aug 9, 2017, 3:00am EST

I recently did something that made me more than a little uncomfortable.

In my new book that just published in July, I shared my story. My Midwestern sensibilities and upbringing tell me not to talk about myself, but the truth is, I had to. I was sort of required to tell my story and I dutifully did so.

I shared how as a young person I set out to make as much money as possible, and by the time I was 40, I had done exactly that. I had all of the requisite toys, houses, cars and even a corner office.

And yet, there was something missing, something more that I just couldn’t put my finger on.

If you are a leader, you lead people every day who are in the same bind I was in. I know you are having a hard time believing it, but it’s true. All the statistics say so.

A recent study by the Gallup organization shares that only one in five people by their own admission gets to do what they do best every day. Doesn’t that seem a little crazy that just 20 percent of us are in our sweet spot?

It’s actually probably worse than that, right? What person, when asked whether or not they are in the place they need to be, answers “No, I don’t think so.” A very honest person, obviously.

The perfect fit

So, how does this happen in your organizations, and with the individuals you lead? Let me hazard some guesses.

First of all, there is work to do and you as a leader need someone — anyone — to do it. It’s as simple as that. If you wait until you find the perfect fit for the role, the job will likely never get finished. At best there will be long delays and, at the end of the day, you are responsible to get stuff done and done well. That’s what you are tasked with as a leader…READ MORE