This book was a cool take on the business-school-style leadership advice manual by building a framework of how to lead all around Sir Ernest Shackleton, Antarctic explorer. The book succeeds by tying in lessons with a chronological story of Shackleton's life and early voyages building up to his climactic Endurance expedition to attempt to cross Antarctica on foot. Shackleton failed--his ship became stuck in pack ice for months, and when the ice finally thawed, the ship sank. He led his men on a long journey in life boats through ice floes to a small, barren island, from which Shackleton again departed in a life boat to find help in South America, where he made an overland treck across mountains to a whaling station. Above all, Shackleton was a truly decent person who could also bring out the decency in others. He was an optimist. The authors quote Napoleon: "a leader is a dealer in hope." Despite failing to achieve his mission, Shackleton succeeded in bringing every man home safe and several even volunteered for a future expedition with him.
The journey of the crew of the Endurance was a brutal one. Antarctica is covered by a layer of ice up to three miles thick. Although it only snows one or two inches per year, fierce winds whip up dry snow in a sandy consistency that burns. The mean annual temperature is -70 Fahrenheit, and temperatures under -120 Fahrenheit have been recorded. The crewmen used Burberry boots designed for five pairs of socks as well as Finnish boots made of reindeer skins, but they wore out quickly on the ice. They had balaclava helmets that covered their ears and snow goggles tinted greenish yellow to precent snow blindness. Their journey coincided with World War One. They departed on August 1, 1914, but as England mobilized Shackleton offered to return the ship and place it at the disposal of the Admiralty. But First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill insisted that the expedition proceed, and they entered open seas.
Shackleton was a leader on the personal level. He was well liked because he showed everyone his respect and attention--no one had to "earn" his respect. He also understood his role as the leader in setting the mood of the group. When the ship was trapped in the ice, Shackleton projected confidence and strength while he developed his plan for the thaw. As a result, his crew spent the time reading books, playing sports on the ice, and were generally cheerful. They trusted him also because they knew how well-prepared he was in advance of the voyage, earning himself the nickname "cautious" Shackleton. The men even used that time to develop elaborate igloos for their sled dogs ("dogloos") and created a spectacular "Dog Town" with tapered spires and elaborate porticos before it was destroyed by crashing ice floes. Shackleton used the men's competitiveness to enhance their training, sponsoring prizes for races between the different sled dog teams. When Shackleton noticed the weakness of a specific man, he remedied it without insulting his pride, such as when one was extra cold, ordering hot drinks served to all so as not to stigmatize him. Shackleton enjoyed poetry, especially a line from "Prospice," by Robert Browning: "Sudden the worst turns the best to the brave."
A leader is judged not by his performance but by the performance he elicits from those who follow him. Shackleton achieved the best performance possible from his men by doing his part thoroughly, showing them respect and care, and above all putting forth a calm, optimistic demeanor that would inspire them. He did not allow himself to get lost in doubt or self-pity, at least not in front of those he led. He is truly an example for leaders at all levels. Thanks to Frank for the recommendation.
Miscellaneous Fact:
- Supposedly, Shackleton advertised for the Endurance expedition with this: "Men wanted to Hazardous Journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success." However, the ad is apocryphal.
