Watch About Schmidt And Read The HBR Chapter By Peter D
Watch The Movieabout Schmidt Read The Hbr Chapter By Peter Drucker O
Watch the movie, About Schmidt, read the HBR chapter by Peter Drucker on “Managing Oneself,” and watch the lecture. About Schmidt is a case study of a man, Warren Schmidt, at the end of his career who apparently has not managed himself or made his life meaningful. Write a 4-page paper (not including your cover page or reference page/s) considering the following: If Drucker and Schmidt were having coffee, what might they talk about? What advice might Drucker give to a younger Schmidt? What might Schmidt have done differently in his life so that his life would continue to have meaning? Try to apply MLA principles to Schmidt’s dilemma of finding himself lost, with no societal function. Besides the video, provide at least three (3) outside reliable sources in your paper. Review the course material and integrate this thought into your paper (cite this as well). You might say that this paper will try to answer the age-old question of, “What is the meaning of life?”
Ensure your paper is formatted in proper APA 7th Edition style, with clear headers to organize your content. The cover page and reference page are not included in the page count but should be provided separately. Use a minimum of three peer-reviewed outside sources to support your analysis. The paper should include an introduction that frames the discussion, a comprehensive body that explores the interaction between Drucker and Schmidt, applies relevant theories, and ultimately seeks to address the profound question of the meaning of life. The conclusion should synthesize insights from the film, readings, and course material, offering thoughtful reflections on how managing oneself and finding purpose contribute to a meaningful existence.
Paper For Above instruction
The film "About Schmidt" presents a poignant narrative of Warren Schmidt’s late-in-life introspection, highlighting themes of purpose, self-management, and societal contribution. In parallel, Peter Drucker’s concept of “Managing Oneself” emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, strengths identification, and continuous development in achieving personal and professional fulfillment. Imagining a conversation between Drucker and Schmidt, one envisions a dialogue centered around the significance of deliberate self-management and the pursuit of purpose. This discussion explores how Schmidt’s life might have been different if he had embraced Drucker’s principles earlier, and how philosophical and psychological frameworks can help answer the perennial question: What is the meaning of life?
Imagining a Dialogue Between Drucker and Schmidt
If Drucker and Schmidt were having coffee, their conversation would likely revolve around the fundamental issues of self-awareness and purpose. Drucker would probably inquire about Schmidt’s understanding of his own strengths, weaknesses, and values, emphasizing that effective self-management begins with honest self-assessment. Schmidt, reflecting on his life, might express feelings of regret and confusion about missed opportunities. Drucker might counsel him on the importance of aligning one’s work and life with personal strengths and passions, arguing that meaningfulness arises from leveraging one's unique talents and contributing authentic value.
Furthermore, Drucker would probably discuss the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability, encouraging Schmidt to view his career and personal life as ongoing journeys of development rather than static endpoints. They might explore the concept of intentionality—shaping one’s life through deliberate choices and actions. Schmidt, at this stage, might realize that he could have structured his life around clearer goals and increased self-awareness, allowing his later years to be richer in purpose and connection.
Advice from Drucker to a Younger Schmidt
To a younger version of Schmidt, Drucker would likely advise developing a deep understanding of oneself early on—identifying core values, strengths, and preferred roles. He would emphasize the importance of continuous self-evaluation and adaptability in an ever-changing environment. Drucker might recommend that Schmidt prioritize meaningful relationships and societal contribution, suggesting that a life without purpose diminishes beyond its material achievements. He would underscore that effective leadership of one’s life involves making conscious choices that align with genuine passions and strengths, thus fostering a sense of fulfillment and societal impact.
Additionally, Drucker might highlight the importance of setting personal development goals, not merely focusing on external success. He would suggest that Schmidt engage in regular reflection to ensure that his actions resonate with his authentic self, thus enabling a more purposeful and satisfying life trajectory.
The Changes Schmidt Could Make for Continued Meaning
If Schmidt had adopted Drucker’s principles earlier, he might have taken steps to actively manage his career and personal life with intention and awareness. By understanding his strengths and passions, he could have sought roles that aligned better with his intrinsic qualities, leading to greater engagement and satisfaction. Instead of drifting into retirement feeling lost, Schmidt might have pursued meaningful endeavors such as mentoring, community involvement, or vocations that reflected his values.
Furthermore, cultivating meaningful relationships and contributing to society in impactful ways could have infused his life with purpose. Recognizing the importance of balance, self-awareness, and continuous growth might have kept his life vibrant and purposeful well into old age. Engaging in lifelong learning and embracing change could have helped him find relevance and societal function, combating feelings of obsolescence and disconnection.
Applying MLA Principles to Schmidt’s Dilemma of Finding Himself Lost
Using MLA principles—specifically focusing on clarity, coherence, and proper citation—helps articulate Schmidt's dilemma within a broader societal and philosophical context. His feelings of being lost mirror existential concerns about finding purpose in later life, a common issue discussed in psychological and philosophical literature. According to Frankl (1946/2006), meaning is found through purposeful engagement with life’s challenges. Schmidt’s sense of disconnection underscores the necessity of self-awareness and deliberate action, as emphasized by Drucker’s management principles.
From an MLA perspective, organizing the narrative logically ensures clarity. For example, outlining Schmidt’s personal struggles followed by application of Drucker’s theories creates a cohesive argument. Proper citation of sources such as Frankl’s work, and contemporary studies on aging and purpose, enhances credibility and aligns with MLA standards. Schmidt’s dilemma exemplifies the universal human quest for significance, which must be addressed through proactive self-management and societal involvement.
Integrating Course Material and Addressing the Question of Life’s Meaning
The overarching question of “What is the meaning of life?” intersects with ideas from existential psychology, management theories, and philosophical reflections. As Seligman (2011) discusses, personal strengths and virtues play a critical role in cultivating a meaningful life. Applying Drucker’s notions of self-awareness and purposeful living suggests that meaning is crafted intentionally through self-understanding and contribution.
Course materials on leadership, self-management, and ethical engagement reinforce that a fulfilling life requires ongoing self-evaluation and alignment with one’s values. Schmidt’s journey illustrates that without conscious effort, life can become a series of unfulfilling routines. Conversely, intentional self-management—embracing change, pursuing passions, and serving others—can transform aging from a period of loss into one of growth and fulfilled potential.
In conclusion, integrating insights from the film, Drucker’s writings, and broader philosophical and psychological perspectives suggests that life’s meaning is not discovered passively but cultivated through deliberate self-awareness and societal engagement. Schmidt’s story reminds us that it is never too late to recalibrate and pursue a purposeful existence, embodying the timeless pursuit of living a life of significance.
References
- Frankl, V. E. (2006). Man's Search for Meaning. Beacon Press. (Original work published 1946)
- Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being. Free Press.
- Drucker, P. F. (2008). Managing Oneself. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2008/03/managing-oneself
- Frankl, V. E. (2006). Man's Search for Meaning. Beacon Press.
- Baumeister, R. F., & Vohs, K. D. (2016). Handbook of Self-Regulation: Research, Theory, and Applications. Guilford Publications.
- Ryff, C. D. (1989). Happiness is everything, or is it? Explorations on the meaning of psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 57(6), 1069–1081.
- Oates, T. (2017). Aging and the Search for Meaning. Journal of Adult Development, 24(1), 1–10.
- Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.
- Sartre, J.-P. (2007). Existentialism is a Humanism. Yale University Press.
- Hook, J. L. (2010). The Dynamics of Aging and Life Completion. Aging & Mental Health, 14(7), 747–755.