Saturday, May 18, 2013

Shackleton Leadership Program Teaches By Inspirational Example

By Carissa Glenn


Among the many great voyages of exploration, those of the polar explorers were possibly the most hazardous. The results were a mixed bag, with triumph and disaster both being frequent. For a leader to face extreme danger and extreme conditions yet not lose a single member of his team was extremely rare, and this is what makes the Shackleton Leadership Program so instructive.

This program features a study of the various crises faced together with the responses. The alternatives are are considered and critiqued as to practicality under the circumstances. Based on a situation drawn from the actual events, it demonstrates how an inspiring leader can overcome adversity and lead his followers to safety through tremendous hardships.

The story of this expedition also has a twist, in that the objective changed from getting to the South Pole to sheer survival. The fact that everyone survived despite the harsh conditions that were faced is a tribute to great leadership. It shows vividly the need to adapt as circumstances change.

While the experience of generals in famous battles also has instructional benefits, this situation is probably closer to that attendees will face in real life. Rather than just demonstrating skills as a leader for a few hours or days, here it was displayed for well over a year. Interpersonal factors also played a large role, and both these elements are also likely to be present in the sort of situation which faced on the job.

The example displayed in this expedition reveals how it is possible maintain focus despite extremely difficult circumstances. To establish a clear vision and to persist with it, until finally change in the situation force a change in the vision. This shows how objectives sometimes may need to adapt as the situation changes, but also should be general enough not to require frequent changes.

Perhaps the most amazing factor was keeping the team sufficiently motivated for such a long time when the situation must have seemed hopeless. Something that probably played a big part in the ultimate result was that everybody had experience and was aware of what they were getting themselves into right from the start. But the leadership ability demonstrated was still stupendous, especially under extremely trying conditions.

Case studies drawn from live situations are far superior to less realistic ones. The stories themselves are fascinating, and the strain of normal, everyday life also plays its part. More is learned real situations, knowing that somebody actual took the right decisions despite the odds, and wrong decisions do not automatically lead to failure, as long as the leader is alert and adapts.

A lot of the success in this situation was probably due to the personalities of both the leader and the expedition members involved. Nevertheless, considerable skill as a leader was also evident, and this sort of example is an example which can show what sort of attitudes lead to success. By encouraging analysis and evaluation of decisions, the Shackleton Leadership Program provides a template and practical examples for future decision-making.




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