Shackleton's Way: Leadership Lessons from the Great Antarctic Explorer

Rating:
Summary: Leadership lessons from the end of the world
Review: The newspaper advertisement read, "Men Wanted for Hazardous Journey, Small Wages, Bitter Cold, Long Months of Complete Darkness, Constant Danger, Safe Return Doubtful. Honor and Recognition in Case of Success."

Thus begins this journey, and an inside look at leadership exhibited under some of the worst conditions imaginable.

This book takes an inside look at how the leadership of the captain lead his crew to safety while on a mission to explore the South Pole in 1914. While other books are more in depth on the story itself, this one focuses primarily on the leadership styles used at various parts of journey.

What is good about this book is that it puts to rest the idea that leadership cannot be delivered with different styles under adverse conditions. Shackleton uses teamwork, reverse psychology, motivation, direction, listening and a host of other leadership traits to get his crew to safety. He demonstrates "servant leadership" when it matters most.

A great story which will keep you captivated, and some wonderful leadership lessons for use in all conditions. Highly recommended. Also, look for other books on the story and some great movies on DVD as well.