Ever since I read Victor Frankl’s book, Man’s Search for Meaning, my choice of the book to be shipwrecked with has been easy. I often tell people that if they are only going to read one book this year, pick Man’s Search for Meaning. It is one of the most widely read books on the holocaust and at the time of Frankl’s death in the late 90’s, had sold over 10 million copies in 24 languages. (Wikipedia has a nice summary of the book, but can’t come close to touching the power of it’s ideas.)
As a coach, I find Frankl’s philosophy an invaluable touchstone because my client’s search for meaning in life is their own and I have no alternative but to recognize it. As a person, however, it digs even deeper into me. I’ve always resonated to the idea that my mindfulness and vision of the future has a lot to do with where I end up. That’s one of the core messages I draw from Frankl’s book.
Recently I came across this YouTube video that was part of a presentation that Frankl did in the early 1970’s. I think it’s a powerful explanation of the leader’s role in supporting others to find the meaning and purpose in their life. I think it’s worth the 4:21 minutes to watch.
Here is the link if you can’t see the video in this post: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD1512_XJEw&feature=player_embedded
What do you think? What is your role as a leader?
