WHAT ARE THE METRICS FOR SIGNFICANCE?

(July/August 2005 Issue)

How do you measure significance? I spent a morning recently preparing to speak to a Young Presidents' Organization chapter in Chicago. I knew this audience well, having been in YPO and having spoken at several YPO functions. This particular group was obviously taking my talk seriously. They had hired a college professor to cross-examine me in Q&A (my favorite format); sent copies of my book, Halftime, to all the participants; and even prepared a three-page outline of questions. The final question for this audience of "rich young rulers" wanted to explore was:

"American society's measures of success (whether right or wrong) are generally agreed upon (eg. financial independence / security, material possessions, etc.). Therefore, it is easy to get a sense of achievement regarding one's success. Significance, on the other hand, doesn't seem to have any (or a widely agreed upon set of) metrics that may be used to measure against. Query: How then does one measure "significance" - are there "common denominators" that define what "significance" is or are the metrics only valid to each individual?" A serious question. I believe a lot of people stick with business and secular work because there's a clear score-keeping mechanism. You win or lose. You make the deal or someone else does. You get rich or go broke. Clear metrics. I define success as "using your knowledge and experience to build up your own portfolio metrics." The technique for significance is similar. It's the mission that is different. I define it as "using your knowledge and experience to serve others" and by serving others, you serve God. Peter Drucker, in his book, Managing the Non-Profit Organization: Principles and Practices, defines the "end results" of a nonprofit or ministry as changed lives: "Its product is a changed human being. The nonprofit institutions are human change agents. Their "product" is a cured patient, a child that learns, a young man or woman grown into a self-respecting adult; a changed human life altogether."

Success is mostly about externals. In The American Idea of Success--that's the title of a 1987 book by Richard Huber, he defines success as three things: money, fame or power. The Gospel according to St. Matthew describes how Jesus was tempted after 40 days in the wilderness. I've always thought that the three temptations in this profound and universal story (satisfy your hunger, do something spectacular and take power over the kingdoms of the world) were pretty similar to those that emerged out of the extensive research Huber did. The same temptations - two thousand years apart. Nothing changes.
Significance is defined more personally and internally. It is an existential choice. It is about what each of us wants to do with our lives when success gives us the freedom of action and choice. But the choice to serve others is entirely ours. The right of private property allows us to do as we wish as long as it is within the law. The theological term is "free will." It's up to us. There's no economic incentive. The outcomes are much more diverse. There's no "generally agreed upon" measure as the YPO questionnaire put it. It's about "changed lives." Can you measure significance? I think you can. But it is personal. It's a matter of how you live your life. Peter Drucker told me once, "You can't always measure it, but you can know it."

About Bob Buford
Bob Buford is chairman of the board of The Buford Foundation and Leadership Network, was the co-founder and first chairman of the Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management, and has authored four books, including Halftime and most recently Finishing Well. Visit www.ACTIVEenergy.net to register for Bob's ACITVEenergy weekly e-newsletter which is full of Bob Buford’s musing, interviews with world-changers, and resources that will enhance your life and work. Contact him as follows:
Bob Buford, 2501 Cedar Springs Road, Dallas, Texas 75201 USA.
214-754-9733; e-mail: bjengle@leadnet.org

After selling Buford Television, Inc., a large network of cable systems across the country, in July 1999, Bob Buford has turned to investing the remaining years of his life in the lives of others. He is chairman of the board of The Buford Foundation and Leadership Network, was the co-founder and first chairman of the Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management, and has authored three books, including Halftime and most recently Finishing Well, which can be found at bookstores everywhere. Bob and his wife, Linda, make their home in Dallas, Texas.