Coaches Describing the Influence of Viktor Frankl on Their Life and Work: A Social Phenomenological Thematic Analysis Highlighting Personal-Existential Motivations

Abstract

Ahead of Routledge's publication of an adaptation into English of Alfried Längle's posthumous portrait of Viktor E. Frankl, this study interrogates the role of Frankl in coaching today. A literature review shows Frankl referenced in existential coaching frameworks and embedded in workplace coaching conceptualisations about work's meaning and authentic leadership. English speaking coaches were asked to describe the influence of Viktor Frankl on their own life and work (n = 20). A social phenomenological and existential-motivational thematic analysis was performed. Five themes are presented using summaries and verbatims: Frankl's contributions in coaches’ social worlds; Coaches’ experience of time in relation to Frankl; Coaches’ relationships to life; Coaches’ search for self; and Coaches’ personal credos. Frankl's influence appears as a deeply personal matter for these coaches, as well as influencing their professional practice. Findings are situated in wider historical and societal trends, recommendations for coach education and development offered and future research directions identified.