Leading at the Edge: Leadership Lessons from the Extraordinary Saga of Shackleton's Antarctic Expedition
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Part adventure story, part leadership guide, this intriguing book examines Shackleton's legendary Antarctic expedition through the lens of business — to reveal a set of powerful strategies for corporate leaders. In the chronicles of extraordinary adventures and against-the-odds survival, nothing compares to the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his team of South Pole explorers. Stranded in the frozen sea for nearly two years, they endured extreme temperatures, hazardous ice, dwindling food, complete isolation, and perpetual blackness. Yet, despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles, the group remained cohesive, congenial, and mercifully alive — a fact that speaks not just to luck but to an unparalleled feat in leadership. Now, for the first time ever, Leading at the Edge draws on this amazing story to reveal the power of effective organizational leadership under conditions of uncertainty, ambiguity, and rapid change. The book uncovers 10 lessons — complete with stirring examples from the Shackleton expedition, as well as contemporary business case studies of the strategies in action — on what it takes to be a great leader. Readers learn how to: Set a personal example with vivid symbols and behaviors Instill optimism while staying grounded in reality Reinforce the team message constantly Find something to celebrate and something to laugh about Have the courage to take big risks, and more. For managers and executives who feel stressed out or stretched thin, these memorable strategies will help bring order to chaos--and success in the face of the most daunting adversity. About the Author: Dennis N. T. Perkins, Ph.D. (Branford, CT) is president of the Syncretics Group, a consultancy that specializes in effective leadership. Margaret P. Holtman is director of employee development at Hartford Life, Inc. Paul R. Kessler is a managing consultant at Stromberg Consulting. Catherine McCarthy, Ph.D., is a principal of the consulting firm Kaye & McCarthy. Across the Board In Leading at the Edge, consultant Dennis Perkins masterfully weaves the story of Shackleton's journey - with all of the drama and intensity intact - into 10 strategies for 'leading at the edge.'.Perkins expertly combines leadership examples from the expedition with well-known corporate problems, and subsequent solutions, to define a model of superior personal and business leadership.
AcknowledgementsixPrefacexiiiThe Shackleton Saga1Part 1Ten Strategies for Leading at The Edge1Vision and Quick Victories: Never lose sight of the ultimate goal, and focus energy on short-term objectives152Symbolism and Personal Example: Set a personal example with visible, memorable symbols and behaviors293Optimism and Reality: Instill optimism and self-confidence, but stay grounded in reality404Stamina: Take care of yourself: Maintain your stamina and let go of guilt565The Team Message: Reinforce the team message constantly: "We are one--we live or die together."706Core Team Values: Minimize status differences and insist on courtesy and mutual respect867Conflict: Master conflict--deal with anger in small doses, engage dissidents, and avoid needless power struggles988Lighten Up! Find something to celebrate and something to laugh about1139Risk: Be willing to take the Big Risk12510Tenacious Creativity: Never give up--there's always another move139Part 2Case Studies in Leading at The Edge01Introduction to the Case Studies15312Business Communication Systems (AT&T/ Lucent Technologies): Back to the Future15713Rice Health Systems: Healing a Sick Organization17014Weyerhaeuser Company: Transforming a Culture18515Malden Mills: Rising from the Ashes198Part 3Continuing Your Expedition16Learning to Lead at The Edge21517Epilogue: A Perspective on Success and Failure227Part 4Resources for Leading at The EdgeResources233Critical Leadership Skills Survey234Your Leadership Expedition: A Personal Development Plan241Your Leadership Expedition Map245Further Readings from The Edge247Notes251Index261
