109 How to Manage A Crisis - The Shackleton Story

Ernest Shackleton's great Antarctic Adventure was a colossal failure. His grand plan was to cross Antarctica via the South Pole, but his ship got stuck in the Weddell Sea and sank. He failed. What began as one man’s desire for a great adventure soon turned into a lifesaving moment. His ship was sinking because of his failure, but now, far more important, was the new crisis in front of him: how would he save his crew? In that moment of crisis, Ernest Shackleton used his leadership power to save every single crew member. He devised a plan; he executed that plan. He and his crew lived on the ice flow of the Weddell Sea for nearly nine months. They nearly died because of his initial failure, but they lived because of his triumphant ability to lead amidst unprecedented chaos.  

In the next three episodes we will explore some of the most important leadership qualities of Ernest Shackleton. We will use his story of crisis and leadership to discover how you can use his grit, determination, and creativity to help lead your team in these turbulent times. When asked about his heroic efforts and his ability to save his team Shackleton said "Everyone will have an Antarctic moment." I’d argue that we are in our Antarctic moment today. Our future is uncertain; we are living in unprecedented times and now, more than ever, we are called to be Shackleton-like leaders. This is your moment to rise and lead your team amid chaos and the unknown. Together, we will explore the wisdom and knowledge of a legendary leader whose tale serves as a guidebook in leading through troublesome and chaotic moments.  

Recommended Readings: (from show notes)

Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing (available via audio) 

Shackleton's Way: Leadership Lessons from the Great Antarctic Explorer by Margot Morrell & Stephanie Capparell 

Leading at The Edge: Leadership Lessons from the Extraordinary Saga of Shackleton's Antarctic Expedition by Dennis Perkins