A New Mark: The Leadership of Sir Ernest Shackleton

An organization that seeks to maintain the status quo can make do with managers and administrators: keeping a ship on course amid calm seas is not a great challenge. Organizations under stress—whether that stress is brought about by sudden changes in the environment, by boredom and complacency, by new challenges from competitors, or simply by the need to change and grow — need leaders who can inspire people even in the midst of great uncertainty, looming threats, pessimism, exhaustion and doubt. Sir Ernest Shackleton, leader of the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, was just such a leader. His story shows today's leaders how to communicate, inspire, and execute today's plan while thinking about tomorrow's, all while overcoming tremendous obstacles.

In this interactive workshop, participants will learn:

The key leadership traits that inspire followers
How leaders coach and mentor to build the team and develop trust
How organizations can survive and even thrive in tough times with the right leadership
The relationship between personal values and leadership
What great leaders know and do
How leaders can energize followers in the face of complacency and boredom

In this Leadership Lab, participants will gain insight into leadership under extraordinary circumstances, through the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Shackleton commanded the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition; his objective was to trek across Antarctica and map a new route to the South Pole. From the outset, the expedition was beset with problems that would have killed lesser men. In an ordeal that lasted nearly two years, in almost unimaginable conditions of severe weather, deprivation, and isolation, Shackleton kept his crew intact and healthy. They survived in part because their commander lived the values of duty, selflessness, integrity and courage. In return for Shackleton's extraordinary resolve, perseverance and genuine concern for his crew, the men gave him their loyalty. He gave them their lives.

For More Information on Shackleton

See another example lab:

Building a Winning Culture: Leadership as a Competitive Advantage