Leadership Lessons From the EdgeApplying Shackleton’s leadership strategies

in today’s business environment

Aug, 1914: Explorer Sir Ernest Shackelton, with 27-man crew, launches Antarctic expedition in the Endurance.

Endurance stuck in the ice, the pressure later crushes the ship.

May, 1916: Five-member rescue party makes it to South Georgia Island.

Shackelton returns, rescues remaining crew members, 634 days after leaving port.

Overview of Voyage

Extreme circumstances require leaders who can adapt, encourage and lead individuals and organizations to their full potential.Vision and Quick VictoriesSymbolism and Personal ExamplesOptimism and RealityStaminaThe Team MessageCore Team ValuesConflictLighten Up!RiskTenacious Creativity

Ten Strategies for Leading at the Edge

Never lose sight of the ultimate goal, and focus energy on short-term objectivesIn the field:

Ultimate Goal: Build up underrepresented demos, improve stability

Short-Term Objective: Sign and retain each home that provides a stepping-stone to toward the goal

Vision and Quick Victories

Set a personal example with visible, memorable symbols and behaviors.

Give the Right SpeechUse Vivid SymbolsBe Visible: Let People See You Leading

It is a very valuable symbol to see a manager performing “grunt work” at times when it’s needed

Notifying and preparing team for upcoming changes instills confidence

Symbolism and Personal Example

Instill optimism and self-confidence, but stay grounded in realitySet far-reaching goals

People work harder to achieve goals on the edgeAdjust if goal becomes unattainable

Retain credibility by recognizing when a goal can’t be reached

Make a new plan for success

Optimism and Reality

Take care of yourself: Maintain your stamina and let go of guilt.Weariness clouds the mind, results in poorer

decisionsStrong appearance unites people with you

Stamina

Reinforce the team message constantly: “We are one – we live or die together.”Us vs. Them (MRs & FRs) attitude can be

averted with open communicationFocus on shared benefits of all working toward

common goal of business success

The Team Message

Minimize status differences and insist on courtesy and mutual respect.

Minimize Status Difference and Special Privileges

Insist on Mutual Respect and CourtesyEveryone must live by the same rulesSpecial treatment for some breeds resentment

among others

Core Team Values

Master conflict – deal with anger in small doses, engage dissidents, and avoid needless power struggles.Everyone gets angry, don’t let it consume youHelp defuse conflict as it arises among team

Conflict

“Can enable a team to refocus, reenergize, and surmount daunting obstacles.”

Find Something to CelebrateFind Something to Laugh About

Lighten Up!

Be willing to take the Big RiskNever take an unnecessary chanceWhen a risk is justified, do not hesitate

Risk

Never give up – there’s always another move.Encourage Relentless Creativity at The Edge

Steer your own courseBe RadicalRecognize what works and what doesn’t

Tenacious Creativity

Leading At the Edge: Leadership Lessons from the Extraordinary Saga of Shackelton’s Antarctic Expedition. Dennis N.T. Perkins

South: The Story of Shackleton’s 1914-1017 Expedition. Sir Ernest Henry Shackelton

Endurance: Shackelton’s Incredible Voyage. Alfred Lansing

Shackelton’s Way: Leadership Lessons from the Great Antarctic Explorer. Margot Morrell, Stephanie Capparell, Alexandra Shackleton

Further Reading