A couple of days ago, slumped in bed in contorted shapes that could not have been good for me, in between mindlessly browsing YouTube, I came across a powerful video by Viktor Frankl on ‘Why Idealists are the real realists.’ The title alone piqued my curiosity, as it seemed to challenge the conventional wisdom that idealists are often seen as dreamers, detached from the harsh realities of the business world. I clicked on the video, and what unfolded before me was a profound perspective that completely shifted my thinking, especially in the context of account management in the business world.
In his video, Viktor Frankl, a renowned psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor, argued that idealists are the true realists in business because they understand the depth of human potential and the importance of finding meaning even in the most challenging corporate circumstances. Frankl’s own experiences in Nazi concentration camps had taught him that the human spirit can endure unimaginable suffering if it holds onto a sense of purpose and meaning.
Frankl explained that idealists in business, often labelled as unrealistic dreamers, are more grounded than those who cynically dismiss their dreams as unattainable. He pointed out that throughout the history of commerce and industry, many of the world’s most significant advancements and changes were driven by idealistic entrepreneurs and account managers who dared to dream big and worked tirelessly to turn those dreams into profitable realities.
As I listened to Frankl’s words, I couldn’t help but reflect on the countless business idealists who had made a profound impact on the corporate world. Think about visionary leaders like Steve Jobs, who believed in creating products that could change the world, or Elon Musk, who dreams of revolutionizing space exploration.
These individuals were considered idealists, but they transformed their industries and achieved extraordinary success.
Frankl also emphasized the importance of meaning and purpose in business. He argued that even in the face of adversity and economic challenges, businesses can find meaning by connecting with their core values and contributing to the well-being of their customers and employees. In a world where profit margins often take precedence, Frankl’s message resonated deeply, reminding me that true realism in business is about acknowledging our inner idealist and striving to make a positive difference.
This video by Viktor Frankl left me inspired and challenged my perception of what it means to be a realist in the business world. It made me realize that idealism and realism can coexist harmoniously when we embrace our ideals and channel them into strategic account management practices that benefit both our clients and our organization.
So, the next time someone calls you an idealist in the realm of business account management, don’t be disheartened. Embrace it and remember that, in the words of Viktor Frankl, idealists are the real realists. They are the ones who believe in the potential for positive change in the business world and have the courage to work towards it. In doing so, they bring value, purpose, and growth to their clients and their own careers, ultimately achieving remarkable success.
