HBR IdeaCast

Real Leaders: Ernest Shackleton Leads a Harrowing Expedition

Mar 5, 2020
Nancy Koehn, a Harvard Business School professor and leadership historian, dives into the extraordinary story of Ernest Shackleton. She explores his bold leadership during a two-year Antarctic ordeal, where his innovative recruitment strategies and focus on team dynamics were crucial. Koehn highlights Shackleton's ability to maintain morale amid adversity, showcasing the power of empathy and adaptability. The conversation reveals timeless lessons on teamwork, endurance, and the intricate balance of selflessness and ambition in leadership.
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ANECDOTE

Shackleton's First Expedition

  • Shackleton's first Antarctic expedition, led by Robert Falcon Scott, failed.
  • Scott's critical account of the expedition motivated Shackleton to lead his own.
ADVICE

Learning from Bad Bosses

  • Learn from bad bosses by identifying their shortcomings.
  • Reflect on how not to act as a leader based on those observations.
ADVICE

Hiring for Attitude

  • Prioritize attitude over skills when building a team, as Shackleton did.
  • Assess a candidate's character and how they handle challenging situations.
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