Mitch went on to suggest that the role he is now playing differs dramatically from that of the visionary. He is now much more the Wise leader. He is fully informed regarding all operations in his organization and has been through all the ups and downs of the news media trade. While he supported the innovations introduced by Frank in the use of robots for newspaper production and the innovations introduced by Gwen in the move to a digital newspaper, he considers these to be based on the visions of these two members of his organization. Mitch spoke hesitantly about the role he is now playing as a leader:
“I am now the old guy who is sitting on the sidelines, encouraging other members of my team to push toward the goal line. Dr. Jung, I no longer look like any of the leaders you mentioned.”
Mitch is asked by Dr. Jung to identify a real or fictitious leader whom he would like to use as a role model. Mitch immediately identified Atticus Finch, from the move, To Kill a Mockingbird. Dr. Jung asked why this admirable attorney is at the top of Mitch’s list. Mitch talked about the courage and ethics of Atticus, as well as his role as attentive father. Mitch pauses once again.
With a tear in his eye, Mitch mentioned that he did not feel that he had been a very attentive father. He had devoted much too much time to his business and often only found time to “play” with his two boys when they were involved with Frank’s own two boys. Mitch indicates that he would have been a worse father if it weren’t for Frank and his modeling of great fathering. Mitch paused for a moment and then muttered: “and that’s why I love Frank and can never forgive myself for causing him stress!”
Dr. Jung handed Mitch a tissue, then sat quietly with him for several minutes. Mitch spoke softly of the caring times he spent with Frank and his two boys, who were about the same age as Mitch’s two sons (who are now grown up and have left home). Mitch now spoke clearly and with full voice:
“You know, maybe that is what’s happening now with Frank. It might have more to do with our now-lost role as parents than with our business. Our four boys might have provided the glue that kept Frank and me together. That glue is gone now. . .”
The hour session was drawing to a close. Dr. Jung gave Mitch a homework assignment:
“Please write down any dreams you have during the next couple of nights. You have explored some important themes during this session and some commentary on these themes might show up in your upcoming dreams.”
Mitch agreed to take some notes regarding his dreams. He thanked Dr. Jung for this remarkable session and left to walk slowly and reflectively in the continuing rain of Zurich. . .
Session Six
It was one of those clear and beautiful days in Zurich. The nearby hills and mountains were glimmering in the bright sunlight. Mitch was feeling “alive and well” as he entered Dr. Jung’s office, with the written account of several dreams in hand. Dr. Jung also seemed to be in a good mood when he greeted Mitch and once again offered him a cup of Swiss coffee.
