The Management of Loss

Humanity's Existential Crises
1. Auflage 2025
ISBN: 978-1-041-09680-1
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 162 Seiten, Format (B × H): 156 mm x 234 mm

Loss is experienced in many forms—from the death of a loved one, illness, and job loss, to the emotional turmoil surrounding retirement, divorce, separation, or even the quiet ache of boredom and loneliness. World-renowned leadership scholar, psychoanalyst, social psychologist, and executive coach Manfred Kets de Vries explores how we can navigate loss in both life and work.

A pioneer in the field of clinical and psychodynamic-systemic executive coaching, Manfred examines a wide spectrum of losses—some obvious, others more subtle—shedding light on how we respond to them. Some people fight against loss, denying its reality at all costs. Others may become consumed by grief. For some, work becomes a coping mechanism, a way to manage the existential anxiety that stems from life’s impermanence. In such cases, "manic" work habits can become a distraction—an escape from confronting painful truths. Written in an accessible and conversational style—as if speaking with a group of friends—this book offers deeply human insights brought to life through personal anecdotes, case studies, and illustrative vignettes. Manfred encourages readers to face their inner struggles without falling back on primitive defense mechanisms like splitting, projection, or denial. He guides us in reflecting on the consequences of our choices—past and future—so we may recognize our limitations, embrace our potential, and find meaning amid loss.

An essential read for anyone grappling with loss, this book is especially valuable for executives, executive coaches, consultants, self-help enthusiasts, and well-being practitioners.

Zielgruppe

General and Professional Practice & Development

Autoren/Hrsg.

Kets De Vries, Manfred F. R.

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Psychologie Allgemeine Psychologie Kognitionspsychologie Emotion, Motivation, Handlung
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Wirtschaftswissenschaften Wirtschaft: Sachbuch, Ratgeber
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Management Unternehmensberatung, Unternehmenssubventionen
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Bereichsspezifisches Management Personalwesen, Human Resource Management

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Preface, Introduction, Chapter 1: Why are we fooling ourselves?, Chapter 2: People don’t quit jobs; they quit bosses, Chapter 3: Loss and renewal in retirement, Chapter 4: Is AI the bogeyman of our age?, Chapter 5: A king’s tale, Chapter 6: In praise of boredom, Chapter 7: Coping with boredom, Chapter 8: One is the loneliest number, Chapter 9: A present-day pandemic, Chapter 10: Sex and the executive, Chapter 11: The sexual conundrum, Chapter 12: What is your body telling you?, Chapter 13: Being and nothingness, Chapter 14: The denial of death, Chapter 15: Mono no aware: The transience of life, Chapter 16: How to face our existential dilemmas

Über Autor(innen)

Manfred F. R. Kets de Vries is the Distinguished Clinical Professor of Leadership Development and Organizational Change at INSEAD, as well as the founder of INSEAD’s Global Leadership Centre. Recognized globally as one of the foremost thinkers in management, he has been featured by leading publications such as The Financial Times, Wirtschaftswoche, Le Capital, El País, and The Economist. He is the author of more than 60 books and hundreds of articles, and has received multiple prestigious awards, including four honorary doctorates, in recognition of his contributions to leadership and organizational development.