Leading at the Edge: Leadership Lessons from the Extraordinary Saga of Shackleton’s Antarctic Expedition
Margaret
P. Holtman is co-author of Leading at the Edge: Leadership Lessons from
the Extraordinary Saga of Shackleton’s Antarctic Expedition, which
describes the use of adventure, story and metaphor (Metaventure®
approach) to teach leadership in organizations. The central story is the
1914-16 trans-Antarctic expedition led by Sir Earnest Shackleton.
Her compelling presentation uses actual photographs, drawing and journal
entries. The audience will feel like they are a part of the crew
as the gripping narrative becomes the departure point for an intense and
unforgettable experience. In addition to this thrilling adventure
story, she will explore the ten key strategies for success as the
valuable lessons from Shackleton’s ill-fated voyage. The captain’s
approach to leadership, teamwork and change under extreme conditions
provide a compass for today’s leaders.
Overview
Part adventure story, part leadership guide, this engaging book examines Shackleton's legendary Antarctic expedition through the lens of business to reveal a set of powerful strategies for corporate leaders.
"Fascinating. Great story after story, along with important learnings
about leadership."
ED LAWLER, Director, Center for Effective Organizations, USC.
"It is ironic that a 90-year-old story of courage and endurance
should have lessons for the Internet Age-but it does! Anyone attempting
to lead in the face of uncertainty and adversity will learn much from
this tremendously engaging and compelling book."
DAVID A. NADLER, Chairman, Delta Consulting Group, Inc., and author
of Champions of Change and Competing by Design
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 of leadership. Leading at the Edge is the first book to draw on this amazing story for revealing the power of effective organizational leadership under conditions of adversity, uncertainty, and rapid change. The book offers ten lessons for leading at The Edge, complete with stirring examples from the Shackleton expedition, as well as contemporary business cases that show the strategies in action. 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 the constant pressure to change and grow, these memorable strategies will help bring order to chaos and achieve success in the face of the most daunting challenges.
Contact Peggy to learn more about "The Ten Strategies for Success®" from Leading at the Edge.
Click here to order a copy of Leading at the Edge.