Strategies to Lead Amidst Chaos

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I was recently introduced to Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922), an Antarctic explorer who, in 1914, led 27 men on a sailing expedition that culminated with crossing Antarctica. The exploration became a testament to great leadership, steadfast determination, and an unyielding vision of survival.

After 10 months at sea, Shackleton's ship became trapped in the ice and was eventually crushed, leaving the crew stranded. Forced to camp on the ice through the harsh Antarctic winter, the men endured months of extreme conditions. When the ship finally sank, they launched lifeboats and navigated to Elephant Island. Stranded on the wrong side of the island, the crew crossed treacherous mountains to reach a viable location. Shackleton then led six men on an 800-mile journey in a lifeboat to South Georgia Island.

After a grueling year of being lost, Shackleton returned and successfully rescued his entire crew—every single man survived.

This incredible feat of grit, resilience, and leadership now serves as a powerful example of how great leaders can inspire and guide their teams through even the most dire circumstances.

Can you imagine what it must have taken to mentally survive that ordeal? The wind, the cold temperatures, the starvation, and the pain that each man experienced. Yet, Shackleton kept his crew together, focused and committed to their shared vision of survival.

Over the next several months, I plan to delve deep into the concepts below. Each idea offers rich opportunities for growth and reflection:

Shackleton’s Leadership Approach and Strategy

It is these fundamental principles that shaped Shackleton’s approach, ultimately saving his crew.

• Prioritize the morale and mental health of your team: If your team is not inspired, uplifted, and energized, then your organization and its goals will falter.
• Create and focus on a shared purpose and vision.
• “Mental Medicine”: A term coined by Harvard professor and historian, Nancy Koehn, refers to the art of managing a team’s energy by fostering engagement and cohesion. (For instance, Shackleton saved the crew's banjo from the sinking ship to preserve joy and connection.)
• Maintain positivity: Despite chaos and challenges, lead with optimism and hope.
• Recognize and capitalize on individual talents: Know your team members and invest in recognizing and highlighting their unique contributions.
• Encourage flexibility: Cross-train staff to improve efficiency and foster personal growth.
• Adapt to change: “Have a mind that is open to everything and attached to nothing.” This mindset allows for objectivity and innovation.
• Prioritize the vision and the team over personal approval: Leadership often requires making tough decisions and holding both yourself and others accountable rather than leading from the desire to be liked.
• Adjust your leadership style: Adapt to the needs of your team and the culture in which you operate.

Stay with me over the next few weeks as I examine each strategy, giving you tools and resources to integrate into your own leadership approach.