Traversing the Territory of Loss and Grief

Embracing Setbacks in Leadership

Gilgamesh laments the death of Enkidu. From Ludmila Zeman’s The Revenge of Ishtar, the second volume of a trilogy of beautifully illustrated children’s books retelling The Epic of Gilgamesh.

More Than Just Friends

The ancient Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh, the deep and evocative story of the friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu, provides enduring insights into the human experience, particularly relevant in the context of organizational leadership.

The death of Enkidu shatters Gilgamesh's facade of invincibility, thrusting him into the depths of existential despair and forcing him to confront the harsh reality of mortality. Gilgamesh's severe grief and mourning signify his emotional attachment to Enkidu and also symbolize his own deep-seated fears of impermanence and mortality.

Gilgamesh's bereavement becomes a catalyst for deep introspection and transformation, his dark night of the soul, as he grapples with the fundamental existential questions of life and death. Through his intense mourning, Gilgamesh sets on a journey of self-discovery, probing the depths of his psyche to unravel the mysteries of existence and the meaning of life itself.

The Metaphor of Enkidu's Death

The death of Enkidu serves as a poignant metaphor for the inevitable setbacks, failures, or transformative changes that leaders encounter throughout their careers. Through the lens of psychodynamic theory, these experiences can be understood and navigated in a way that promotes personal and organizational growth.

Enkidu's death is a pivotal moment in the Epic of Gilgamesh, marking a significant turning point for Gilgamesh. As mentioned, this event forces him to confront his own mortality and the transient nature of life. Similarly, in the realm of organizational leadership, crises or disruptions can serve as catalysts for deep reflection. Leaders may find themselves facing existential questions about their purpose, values, and the impact of their leadership.

Psychodynamic Theory and the Leadership Journey

Psychodynamic theory, rooted in the work of Freud and later expanded by theorists such as Jung and Erikson, emphasizes the importance of unconscious processes and the influence of past experiences on present behavior. In the context of leadership, this theory provides a framework for understanding how leaders can process and integrate their experiences of failure or loss.

Mourning and Acceptance

According to psychodynamic theory, the process of mourning is essential for psychological health. Leaders, much like Gilgamesh, must allow themselves to grieve the loss of what was—whether it be a failed project, the departure of a key team member, or a significant organizational change. This mourning process enables leaders to acknowledge their pain and loss, making it possible to move forward.

This process mirrors the psychological concept of mourning, wherein individuals confront loss and navigate through the stages of grief to ultimately emerge with newfound wisdom and resilience.

Navigating Uncertainty with Clarity

In a rapidly changing world, leaders are continually faced with uncertainty and disruption. The story of Gilgamesh offers a powerful reminder that these challenges, while difficult, also present opportunities for growth and transformation. By drawing upon the insights of psychodynamic theory and embracing the mourning process, leaders can navigate through periods of uncertainty with renewed clarity, resilience, and purpose.

Modern Leadership Insights

In the realm of modern leadership, the portrayal of Gilgamesh's existential crisis following Enkidu's death offers a poignant reflection of the psychological dynamics that contemporary leaders may encounter (Bowlby, 1980). Psychodynamic theory, drawing from various sources such as object relations theory and attachment theory, provides insights into how leaders navigate grief and existential dilemmas (Kernberg, 1976). According to object relations theory, individuals form internalized representations of significant others, which influence their emotions, behaviors, and interpersonal relationships (Kernberg, 1976). When a cherished figure like Enkidu is lost, the leader's internal world is intensely shaken, leading to a period of mourning and introspection (Freud, 1917). Attachment theory further elucidates how the bond between Gilgamesh and Enkidu represents a secure attachment, wherein the loss triggers feelings of abandonment and unfathomable sorrow.

Reassessing Values and Priorities

Setbacks often prompt leaders to reassess their core values and priorities. Gilgamesh's quest for immortality following Enkidu's death symbolizes the search for meaning and enduring impact. Leaders, too, may find that crises push them to clarify what truly matters, aligning their actions with their deepest values and the long-term vision for their organization.

Embracing Vulnerability

Psychodynamic theory highlights the importance of embracing vulnerability. Gilgamesh's journey becomes one of self-discovery as he confronts his limitations and fears. Modern leaders who embrace their vulnerabilities can foster a culture of openness and authenticity within their organizations, encouraging their teams to do the same. This vulnerability can be a source of strength, promoting resilience and adaptability.

Renewed Purpose and Resilience

The introspective journey that follows a significant setback can lead to a renewed sense of purpose. Psychodynamic theory suggests that through the process of self-exploration and integration of past experiences, individuals can develop greater resilience. Leaders who navigate through their existential dilemmas can emerge with a clearer sense of direction and a renewed commitment to their goals.

Defense Mechanisms

Moreover, psychodynamic perspectives emphasize the role of defense mechanisms in coping with loss and existential angst (Freud, 1917). Leaders may resort to mechanisms such as denial, repression, or displacement to manage overwhelming emotions and maintain a semblance of composure in the face of adversity, much the same as Gilgamesh’s quest for mortality. However, as psychoanalytic theory suggests, these defense mechanisms may ultimately hinder the process of mourning and impede personal growth. By acknowledging and processing their grief in a healthy manner, leaders can embark on a transformative journey akin to Gilgamesh's quest for self-discovery and meaning.

Conclusion

The death of Enkidu in the Epic of Gilgamesh is more than a mythological event; it is a metaphor for the inevitable setbacks that leaders face. Through the lens of psychodynamic theory, these moments of crisis are opportunities for self-reflection and growth. By embracing the mourning process, reassessing their values, and fostering a culture of vulnerability, leaders can emerge stronger and more purposeful, ready to lead their organizations through the complexities of the modern world and lead their organizations with renewed vigor and insight.

Reflections

Leaders can reflect on the above and ask themselves the following questions to help them gain deeper insights into the emotional responses as well as develop strategies to foster personal growth and resilience both individually and within their organization:

1.     How do I personally cope with loss and grief, and how might those coping mechanisms influence my leadership style and decision-making during challenging times?

2.     In what ways can I use periods of mourning and introspection as catalysts for introspection and transformation within myself and my leadership approach?

3.     How do I manage defense mechanisms like denial, repression, or displacement in coping with overwhelming emotions, and are they hindering my personal growth and leadership effectiveness?

4.     What parallels can I draw between Gilgamesh's journey of self-discovery following Enkidu's death and my own experiences navigating setbacks, failures, or changes within my leadership role?

5.     In what ways can I create a supportive organizational culture that acknowledges and honors the mourning process, allowing myself and others to navigate through grief in a healthy and transformative manner?

References

Bowlby, J. (1980). Attachment and Loss: Vol. 3. Loss, Sadness, and Depression. Basic Books.

Freud, S. (1917). Mourning and Melancholia. The Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud, Volume XIV (1914-1916): On the History of the Psycho-Analytic Movement, Papers on Metapsychology and Other Works, 237-258.

Kernberg, O. (1976). Object-Relations Theory and Clinical Psychoanalysis. Jason Aronson, Inc.

Jung, C. G. (1953). Collected Works of C.G. Jung, Volume 7: Two Essays in Analytical Psychology. Princeton University Press.

Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and Society. W.W. Norton & Company.