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.
During the program, participants look at the circumstances the party of explorers were faced with and the decisions that were made at every point. The decisions, some good, some bad, are evaluated and placed in context. Because this is based on an actual live situation, it demonstrates how a great leader coped with cope with extreme day-to-day pressures.
One of the features which makes this expedition such a good example, is the way the objective was changed. Originally the intention was to reach the South Pole, but after the loss of their ship, sheer survival in the extreme conditions became paramount. This shows how the prevailing circumstances can determine feasible aims.
While battlefield experiences also provide many valuable lessons, the fact that this situation lasted far longer than any battle highlights the quality and consistency of the leadership and the ability to maintain morale at a high level for an extended period. As business also involves long-lasting situations, the lessons to be drawn here may be more relevant to those faced by those attending the course, as well as the type of skills required by the leaders.
What is shown here is how it is possible to create a unifying goal and maintain it in the face of huge difficulties. Also to keep faith with that vision despite the apparent hopelessness of the current position. Finally, when it becomes imperative to adapt that vision as clinging to it has become impossible, to accept the reality and create another viable goal.
The way morale was maintained at a high enough level to ensure survival of all concerned despite the hopelessness of the situation faced is also remarkable. While it is true that the members would have been aware of the dangers and had strong personal qualities, nevertheless this is a remarkable feat.Always operating with careful consideration under extremely demanding conditions is extremely difficult in practice.
It should be mention that learning situations drawn from life are preferable to artificial ones. There is a realism and a drama which is hard to imitate, and the participants can relate to the actual events in a more meaningful way. By choosing a situation which is inherently dramatic, it is also possible to maintain high levels of interest.
While personality definitely plays a role, It possible to learn skills and attitudes from good role models. Perhaps the greatest lesson is to evaluate decisions on an ongoing basis and adapt as necessary. With a large enough stock of examples to draw on, decision-making is also improved by relating to similar situations. Here the Shackleton Leadership Program provides leaders with a range of examples and the actual outcomes, with parallels to what they might face in a work situation.
During the program, participants look at the circumstances the party of explorers were faced with and the decisions that were made at every point. The decisions, some good, some bad, are evaluated and placed in context. Because this is based on an actual live situation, it demonstrates how a great leader coped with cope with extreme day-to-day pressures.
One of the features which makes this expedition such a good example, is the way the objective was changed. Originally the intention was to reach the South Pole, but after the loss of their ship, sheer survival in the extreme conditions became paramount. This shows how the prevailing circumstances can determine feasible aims.
While battlefield experiences also provide many valuable lessons, the fact that this situation lasted far longer than any battle highlights the quality and consistency of the leadership and the ability to maintain morale at a high level for an extended period. As business also involves long-lasting situations, the lessons to be drawn here may be more relevant to those faced by those attending the course, as well as the type of skills required by the leaders.
What is shown here is how it is possible to create a unifying goal and maintain it in the face of huge difficulties. Also to keep faith with that vision despite the apparent hopelessness of the current position. Finally, when it becomes imperative to adapt that vision as clinging to it has become impossible, to accept the reality and create another viable goal.
The way morale was maintained at a high enough level to ensure survival of all concerned despite the hopelessness of the situation faced is also remarkable. While it is true that the members would have been aware of the dangers and had strong personal qualities, nevertheless this is a remarkable feat.Always operating with careful consideration under extremely demanding conditions is extremely difficult in practice.
It should be mention that learning situations drawn from life are preferable to artificial ones. There is a realism and a drama which is hard to imitate, and the participants can relate to the actual events in a more meaningful way. By choosing a situation which is inherently dramatic, it is also possible to maintain high levels of interest.
While personality definitely plays a role, It possible to learn skills and attitudes from good role models. Perhaps the greatest lesson is to evaluate decisions on an ongoing basis and adapt as necessary. With a large enough stock of examples to draw on, decision-making is also improved by relating to similar situations. Here the Shackleton Leadership Program provides leaders with a range of examples and the actual outcomes, with parallels to what they might face in a work situation.
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