Historian Martin Gutmann, an expert in leadership, encourages us to rethink our admiration for dramatic leaders. He compares the flawed polar explorer Ernest Shackleton with the meticulous Roald Amundsen, highlighting how society often celebrates the wrong figures. Gutmann argues that true leaders often avoid crises and are defined by quiet resilience rather than flashy actions. By examining historical examples, he advocates for a broader understanding of effective leadership that values preparation, strategic thinking, and the quiet contributions that truly guide successful outcomes.