Meaning-Based Leadership

WITHOUT A SENSE OF MEANING, WE LOSE DRIVE, FOCUS AND DIRECTION Regardless of which research you delve into concerning meaning, it establishes that generally speaking, human beings have a great wish to be able to understand their experiences. We need to obtain some sort of clarity about our identity and to identify a certain sense of purpose in our lives. In other words, human beings wish to know what their lives are all about, and how they themselves fit into life and the world around them. Meaning in life refers to a sense of your life and experiences making a difference. Thus, being human equals searching for meaning in life. Without a sense of meaning, we lose drive, focus and direction. We observe this, when we, for instance, say: I just don’t know, why I bother, why I bother going to work, why I bother living, I just don’t see the point. At some time in life, everybody experiences these types of feelings, to a greater or lesser degree. Up until now, there has not been a guide to show you what makes work and life meaningful, but here it is. In this book, I will introduce you to unique knowledge about meaning as a tool. Based on both research and practice, I will present you with a new tool box that will enable you to become a Ninja at developing meaningful sustainability in your work as well as your private life. Viktor Frankl has left us an encouraging concept of optimism in the face of hardship Viktor Frankl was the first doctor, professor and therapist who based his approach and concept on an explicit image of humans being more than a mechanical collaboration between body and mind. Human existence is rather a dynamic collaboration between body, mind and spirit. His contemplations on human existence were barely recognized in the discussions and activities of the previous century – and certainly not in the financial and corporate sectors. Today, many more are returning to an understanding of the existential foundations of human beings. Understanding the core of existence, returning to ideals and ideas about what makes us human, has entered the scene of modern working life, management, organizational development and personal searches for meaning in one’s own existence. We are all exceedingly challenged, and not only by the megatrends that make up our world, but we are also haunted by various crises around the globe – climate changes, the depletion of our natural resources, regional conflicts, hunger and migration. There is an ever-increasing call for a paradigm shift where frustration, stress and hopelessness are exchanged for meaning and optimism in the face of hardship. And this is exactly what Viktor Frankl has left us a hugely encouraging concept of. Personally, I am particularly fond of Frankl’s realistic approach to life, which includes the inevitability of crises and challenges. The point being that crises and challenges afford meaning in one’s life. The field of positive psychology have emphasized the term servant leadership, which is inspired by one of Viktor Frankl’s core terms and methods. Viktor Frankl’s approach provides us with a blueprint for a better future Frankl’s pioneering work with meaning as psychology has been tried and tested in more than 600 empirically based and clinical studies. Furthermore, and possibly even more importantly, his methods have been tried and tested by millions of readers, clients and patients, who at times were undecided and possibly even overwhelmed by their unfulfilled or unheard search for meaning in their everyday lives. Because of his overall, holistic orientation, Frankl’s approach may be used in a broad scope of disciplines, including anything from organizational development, management and education to coaching and counselling – and more specifically, it is very useful as support in existential crises. It can be used in every area of life and it helps us find meaning in our experiences and in our lives in general. It renders possible an encouraging response to one of the core questions, which the technological development of the 21st century specifically asks: What is a human being? Viktor Frankl’s approach provides us with a blueprint or a map for a better future for human kind. Why specifically Viktor Frankl’s concept of meaning? I think we can all recognize this feeling: And what is most annoying about this, is the fact that this feeling seemingly has a tendency to resurface throughout our lives. There are three overall reasons why I work with Viktor Frankl’s original concept of meaning: 1. The concept can help people reach the other side of frustration, doubt and depression. 2. The concept provides you with tools that help you find meaning in life, even if life offers you suffering and crises, which it inevitably will. 3. Viktor Frankl was the first person to also focus on healthy people in his work on how to prevent people from becoming ill, frustrated or desperate. Why I love working with meaning I love the original concept of meaning because: it works and it makes a difference. These are methods that we can all put to use. It heightens and sharpens your awareness of your opportunities and growth potential, regardless of the situation you or your company may be in. Let us get started!