Leadership Lessons Ernest Shackleton

Imagine the situation – Antarctica

Coldest, driest, windiest and harshest place on earth. 98 % ice and no naive human population.

19th century discover, 20th century exploration and scientifict reach and 21st century tourist

The Journey

KLasted 2 years
KTrapped after 44 days
KLost ship completely after 11 month
KThey were not on land but on the sea-ice
KAnd it wasn't until 18 months after they started, they were recused
KThey all survived

Men Wanted for hazardous journey, small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful honor and recognision in case of success

Ernest Shackleton

What happened

K Just 100 miles from their destination or one more days, sailing on 18th January 1915 iced closed in around the ship
K They were then trapped on the ice for the next 15 months
K Everyone survived
K One of the greatest human survival stories ever

Leadership lessons from the Great

Antarctic Explorer

EThe path to leadership
EHiring an Outstanding Crew
E Creating a Spirit of Camaraderie
E Getting the Best from Each Individual
E Leading Effectively in a Crisis
E Forming Teams for Tough Assignments
E Overcoming Obstacles to Reach a Goal
E Leaving Legacy

Five Guiding Principles of Shackleton’s

Leadership

E Optimism
E Communication
EFlexibility
EStrong Example
EEncouraging Enjoyment

Shackleton’s Way of Selecting and Organizing a Crew

E Start with a solid core of workers from past jobs recommended by trusted colleagues
E Your No 2 is your most important hire who complements your management style, shows loyalty without being a yes-person and as a talent for working with others
^ Hire those who share your vision
EBe creative, unconventional interviewer if you seek creative, unconventional people
E Surround yourself with cheerful, optimistic people

Shackleton’s Way of Forming Groups for the Toughest Tasks

EDon't be afraid to change your mind when you see your plan isn't working
E Be self-sacrificing
E Give a show of confidence in those acting in your stead
E Never point out the weaknesses of individuals in front of others. Often, it's better to let everyone share a remedy aimed at a few
^ You must keep reinvesting yourself and your team

Shackleton’s Way of Developing Leadership Skills

EFind a way to turn setback and failures to your advantage
E Be bold in vision and careful in planning
E Learn from past mistakes- yours and those made by others
E Never insist on reaching a goal at any cost
E Don't be drawn into public disputes with rivals. Rather, engage in respectful competition.

Shackleton’s Way of Finding the Determination to Move Forward

E Let your staff inspire you. The final product must represent the best efforts of the entire group
EEven in the most stressful situations, don't forget that you are part of a larger world that might benefit from your expertise
EMake sure the whole job is done. Your are responsible for seeing the work through to its successful completion.

Shackleton’s Way of Selecting for Getting the Group through a Crisis

E Ask for advice and information from a variety of sources, but ultimately make decisions based on your own judgment
ELet all the people involved in the crisis participate in the solution
E Be patient. Sometimes the best course of action is to do nothing.
E Give your staff plenty of time to get used to the idea of an unpopular situation
E You must keep reinvesting yourself and your team