How would Shackleton deal with the horrific tragedy unfolding in Los Angeles?
Lead By Example:
Many years after Endurance sank, photographer Frank Hurley recalled, "Shackleton met the crisis with complete composure. He gave orders as though we were setting out on a sledging expedition." The Boss' serious but calm attitude inspired confidence in his team. His crew admired that Shackleton never asked them to do anything that he wasn't willing to do himself.
Communicate Effectively:
After they abandoned ship, the crew gathered around Shackleton for what one called "a characteristic speech - simple, moving, optimistic and highly effective." His crew also commented that he "had a nice way of getting into a conversation," and he was "very friendly and easy to talk to."
Keep Up Morale:
Shackleton was constantly on watch for any breakdown in the morale of his team. One observer said, "His method was the constant application of small corrections, unnoticed by nearly everyone yet very potent in their cumulative effect." The Boss was highly aware of the almost instantaneous effect of food on morale.
Maintain a Positive Attitude:
Trapped on an ice-floe with no hope of rescue, Shackleton used his diary to make positive affirmations about his crew and their situation. Day after day, he wrote that the group was all doing well and he particularly noted the contributions made by the most difficult personalities - Hurley, Orde-Lees and McNeish. Through reminding himself of their positive contributions, he avoided getting bogged down in their shortcomings. By focusing on what each person could contribute to the situation, he maintained a good relationship with each crew member. That's how he got the best out of every member of his team.
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