There's Room At The Top - From The Bottom Of The World

Submitted by mahorstman on Tue, 01/02/2007 - 01:41.
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I'm pretty certain - disappointedly so - that the story below is apocryphal. But it serves.

This is a classified ad that ran in a London newspaper in 1900:

Men Wanted for Hazardous Journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success - Ernest Shackleton

They were inundated with inquiries.

As managers, we have an opportunity to be cynical, or reach for greatness. We can complain about what's going on - and there will always be plenty to complain about - or we can make a case for greatness, and then lead the way.

Leo Burnett said it eloquently: "When you reach for the stars, you may not quite get one, but you won't end up with a handful of mud, either."

Your best people secretly desire this from you. What better reason?

Shackleton was the leader's leader. A

Submitted by Scott (not verified) on Sun, 01/07/2007 - 12:04.

Shackleton was the leader's leader. A man of principle and determination who knew the importance of assembling a great team, keeping your team inspired, and going the distance for them.

If you're interested in a book that espouses these and other great leadership principles (one which you might consider adding to your list), take a look at Shackleton's Way: Leadership Lessons from the Great Antarctic Explorer. I highly recommend it.

I really love this story! Thanks for

Submitted by Escharin (not verified) on Tue, 01/02/2007 - 18:02.

I really love this story! Thanks for sharing it, Mark & Mike. Peter Block, one of my favorite business writers, wrote another great riff on it that I'd like to share:

http://www.designedlearning.com/articles/newsforachange/june2000.htm

Once, when I was a puppy, the best

Submitted by pneuhardt on Tue, 01/02/2007 - 11:21.

Once, when I was a puppy, the best manager I ever had approached me and two other collegues and gave us a speach that went something like the following: "This project is almost certainly doomed to failure, the company president pays it only lip-service for support, it's underfunded and you will have to work overtime pretty much every day for the next 6 months. There will be no rewards for trying and failing, only for success. You will also learn more about your profession and this business in that 6 months than you will in the next 3 years if you don't join. You want in? I need an answer in 5 minutes."

She was right on all counts. I hated that project, but it was a great thing to have done both personally and professionally. 19 years and several companies later, I still keep in touch with people from that project because of the bonds formed on that project.

Leadership can sometimes be as simple as telling the truth. Just remember to include ALL of the truth.

Well, to then read about what

Submitted by peloton on Tue, 01/02/2007 - 06:13.

Well, to then read about what Shackleton did for his men (and he saved EVERY ONE to boot!) throughout the expedition is incredible. Amazing leadership and care for his "team".

Al

Mike and Mark, It is a pleasure to

Submitted by dwhooks on Tue, 01/02/2007 - 02:48.

Mike and Mark,

It is a pleasure to be your student!

Keep up the good work; your casts are always right on.

I look forward to a great 2007 where I can continue my learning and spreading the word about your pod casts and their value to those who desire to do a better job. I am sure that is everybody when they learn to “…follow the steps…”

You are doing a great service!

Regards

Dave Hooks
Dillon, Mt

Here's some more info about Ernest

Submitted by Jim (not verified) on Tue, 01/02/2007 - 02:42.

Here's some more info about Ernest Shackleton, which includes the quote you mentioned.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Shackleton
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/shackleton/
see also "Endurance" by alfred lansing (pub 1999)
or "Shackleton" by Roland Huntford, both available from amazon.com