Don’t Forget the Banjo: Leading Through Crisis
The survival of Ernest Shackleton’s crew is the greatest survival saga in human history.
- AUGUST 8, 1914—28 men depart for Antarctica.
- JANUARY 18, 1915—Their ship, the Endurance, is caught in pack ice.
- NOVEMBER 21, 1915—The ship sinks.
- AUGUST 30, 1916—The crew is rescued.
The survival of all 28 men is a tribute to the human spirit and Ernest Shackleton leading through crisis.
Leading Through Crisis
#1 Eliminate Happy Talk
Optimism isn’t pretending. It’s constructive explaining.
“Everything’s fine” insults common sense when the ship is sinking. Constructive explaining accepts reality and adapts.
Pessimists say, “Why bother?” Optimists believe hard work makes a difference.
Optimists act. Happy talk prolongs catastrophe.
#2 Reduce Weight
Let go of what doesn’t matter.
- Stop polishing the brass.
- Trim the red tape.
- Protect work that contributes to survival.
Let go of wishful thinking. Imagine a crew watching their ship sink. Don’t waste energy pining for a glorious past. Wishing doesn’t change things.
Simplify by focusing on essentials when leading through crisis.
#3 Don’t Forget the Banjo
Morale is survival gear during crisis.
People need more than direction. They need music – fun and connection.
The crew were instructed to leave personal items behind. But Shackleton allowed one extravagance. He told the expedition’s meteorologist, Dr. Leonard Hussey, to bring his banjo.
Morale makes successes seem bigger and failure less enduring.
Cut the fluff, face reality, and don’t forget the banjo when leading through crisis.
When leading through crisis, morale is the line between resolution and collapse.
What do leaders forget when leading through crisis?
What are some key factors to success when leading through crisis?
Leadership Practices from two years of Survival in the Antarctic you can use Today
3 bonus tips from Ernest Shackleton’s example:
- Keep routines, even in chaos.
- Listen closely to the crew.
- Make tough decisions quickly.
Image source for Dr. Leonard Hussey’s banjo: Royal Museums Greenwich
The Endurance was found on March 5, 2022.
