The Quakers have an excellent approach to thinking through difficult problems, where a number of intelligent and responsible people must work together.
For anyone seeking meaning for his life a figure from Greek mythology comes to mind. It is that of Atlas, bearing with endless perseverance the weight of the heavens on his back.
The man in charge must concern himself with details.
When doing a job — any job — one must feel that he owns it, and act as though he will remain in that job forever.