• I've discussed this case with many professionals and it's not uncommon for people

to question Shackleton's decision to continue on from South Georgia Island.

Indeed, the fact that Shackleton pressed ahead despite the warnings about ice
from local mariners - who had both experience in the region and current
knowledge of conditions - stands out. It is, perhaps, less surprising when you
consider the overall context of the expedition.

Antarctic exploration was, simply put, a big deal. It contained the possibility of
scientific discovery, fame for individual explorers, and honor for the nation
affiliated with the expedition. Beyond pride, nations could use expeditions that
reached new areas to bolster their territorial claims. That an exploration could
function as a projection of a nation's power is particularly significant given that
World War I had just broken out as the Endurance departed Britain.
• Regardless of the factors that influenced his decision to proceed,
Shackleton must contend with his present situation. Imagine
yourself in Shackleton's shoes. You're in command of a ship that has
been immobilized within a sea of ice. What is your top priority as
leader of the expedition? What is the first thing you do?
Consider the hiring criteria that you
prioritized earlier:
• Technical Skills
• Creativity
• Grit
• Prior Experience
• Attitude
• Independence
• Shackleton put a premium on attitude when hiring his team for the Endurance.
While he did not foresee being stuck in the ice, Shackleton knew this would be an
arduous and potentially dangerous expedition. Had he not prioritized attitude,
managing the energy, outlook, engagement, and cohesion of his team would have
been much more difficult.
• Three practices were essential to Shackleton’s success as a leader:

• He continuously met with himself, assessing and reassessing his approach to the
changing mission.
•
He showed a relentless commitment to his primary objective—the safe return of his
team—while being entirely flexible about how to achieve it.
•
He maintained his team’s belief in the mission by managing both collective and
individual energy.