By Endurance We Conquer

The Leadership Legacy of Ernest Shackleton

Reflecting on the life and leadership of Ernest Shackleton, after watching National Geographic’s story of the finding of Endurance, I’m retelling his story in this article, not only as a captivating historical account for any leaders who aren’t familiar, but as a powerful lesson in resilience and leadership.?

My research into “The Boss” has become a lens through which I’ve been exploring skills for modern leaders, seeking insights into how Shackleton’s methods can still apply today. He embodied an extraordinary capacity for leadership in the face of staggering odds, a skill set that resonates deeply in our current age of complexity and rapid change. Shackleton’s story is one of pushing beyond the familiar, of seeking progress and growth at every step, with unwavering tenacity and courage.

In this article, I’ll explore Shackleton’s leadership through the lens of his resilience, positivity, and ability to turn setbacks into opportunities. To add some leadership familiarity and explore some of the skills that Shackleton employed in his leadership, I’ll explore the principles behind Daniel Goleman’s six styles of leadership and Shackleton’s own reflections on success, adversity, and courage.

Shackleton’s journey reminds us of his powerful words: “The world is a huge place. How will you know where you fit in unless you explore beyond your comfort zone?”

This philosophy captures the essence of his leadership style and the spirit we strive for in our own development. Shackleton’s story is more than just an account of survival, it’s a testament to the need for leaders who push the boundaries of improvement, not only to achieve extraordinary outcomes but to build resilience and character along the way.?

Through his legacy, we’re reminded that true growth comes not in easy times but in the relentless pursuit of progress, even when faced with the unknown.

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Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expeditions were more than just journeys into uncharted territory, they were also profound tests of human endurance, resilience, and leadership. As a leader, Shackleton faced overwhelming odds, yet he maintained an unbreakable spirit that inspired those around him to believe in the seemingly impossible. His 1914-1917 Endurance expedition, in particular, stands as a testament to his leadership qualities, combining strategic brilliance with an unyielding commitment to optimism.

While Shackleton was initially driven by the ambition to be the first to cross Antarctica from coast to coast, his mission evolved when disaster struck. With the loss of his ship Endurance to the crushing ice of the Weddell Sea, Shackleton’s focus shifted from exploration to survival. In the months that followed, he led his team through unforgiving conditions, often relying on optimism as his anchor. His guiding belief that “Optimism is true moral courage” became the core of his leadership ethos, encouraging his men to see beyond their immediate hardships and believe in a hopeful outcome.

In my own experience with frontline leadership, The Boss stands out not just as an adventurer but as an archetype of resilient, compassionate leadership. I admire his ability to inspire optimism in the face of overwhelming odds, a quality I find essential in navigating high-stress environments.

Like Shackleton, I believe that morale and psychological safety are critical tools for survival, whether in polar ice fields or on the frontline. His commitment to his crew and refusal to let them face challenges alone resonates deeply with me, as I’ve seen first-hand the transformative power of a leader who prioritises morale, takes personal responsibility, and finds opportunity in every setback. Shackleton’s example encourages me to lead with empathy, resilience, and an unwavering focus on the positives, no matter how bleak the circumstances.

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Visionary Beginnings

Shackleton’s Ambition and Optimism as a Tool for Inspiration

When Shackleton began his Antarctic journey, he was fuelled by a pioneering spirit and a belief in pushing human limits. His ambition was not only personal but also a reflection of the values of the age, an era that celebrated courage, adventure, and the pursuit of discovery. To recruit his crew, Shackleton famously placed an advertisement that read:-

“Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.”

This starkly honest call drew men who resonated with Shackleton’s values and shared his thirst for exploration. But Shackleton’s vision was more than just words, it was a shared purpose that he instilled in his crew. This is a classic example of Goleman’s visionary leadership style. Shackleton united his men around a cause greater than themselves, creating a deep-rooted loyalty and trust. His optimism, even in the face of near-certain hardship, established a foundation of hope and resilience that would carry them through their darkest hours.

To find the right people for this adventure, Shackleton must have anticipated the sort of character that would bite on his newspaper advert bait. These ‘hooks’ in getting the right people are still present today, most notably in my world, the Norseman triathlon opener:

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Those of a certain character would find that sort of challenge impossible to ignore. It’s addictive, It’s dangerous, and it’s not for everyone. Shackleton's legacy for finding people to join him on a journey of adversity and probable failure is clearly a successful model!

With the applicants, Shackleton expected one trait above all others. Optimism. He deemed that a priority above all else, and expected it to be a personal asset.?

Optimism was a tool that Shackleton wielded carefully, recognising that it could transform mindsets and sustain morale. His belief that, “Optimism is true moral courage,” wasn’t just a personal mantra, it was a message he actively communicated to his men. By fostering this spirit of optimism, Shackleton encouraged his team to focus on possibilities rather than limitations, to look for solutions instead of dwelling on problems, and to believe in survival against all odds. His leadership was not just about guiding his men physically but mentally as well, cultivating a mindset that would prove essential in the trials ahead.?

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Shackleton’s Leadership in Adversity

Resilience and Spotting Opportunity in Setbacks

In early 1915, Endurance became trapped in the unforgiving ice of the Weddell Sea. What began as a temporary hold soon became a permanent one, as the ship was crushed and ultimately sank under the pressure of the ice floes. Shackleton’s response to this disaster reflects his adaptability and resilience, qualities that Daniel Goleman associates with democratic leadership.

Shackleton involved his men in the decision-making process, allowing them to voice concerns and participate in charting a new path forward. He knew that empowering them in this way would reinforce their belief in their ability to survive and strengthen their commitment to one another. He gave each man a respective purpose, and with that an identity to feel valued, and brought a sense of self accountability to the other men.

Shackleton saw every setback as an opportunity to adapt and refocus his crew. His quote, “Difficulties are just things to overcome”, captures his ability to view obstacles not as dead ends but as challenges to be solved. Shackleton's adaptability allowed him to see beyond the loss of the ship and the failure of his original mission. Instead of despairing, he rallied his team around a new objective: survival.

He taught them to keep their focus forward, a sentiment he expressed in his affirmation that:

“A man must shape himself to a new mark directly the old one goes to ground.”

Shackleton’s leadership was a constant reminder that adaptability and resilience were essential to survival.?Through his words and actions, Shackleton showed his men that optimism was not na?ve hope, but a calculated strength. He held onto the belief that the thin line that divides success from failure, could be navigated by courage and perseverance – fortitudine vincimus – by endurance we conquer.

Shackleton’s willingness to continually reframe their situation in a positive light kept his men focused on the possibilities rather than the seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

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Optimism as Moral Courage

Building and Sustaining Morale Through Routine and Relationships

When the crew was forced to abandon Endurance and take to the ice, Shackleton’s commitment to optimism became even more critical. Shackleton prioritised morale as a survival tool, understanding that mental fortitude was as important as physical endurance. He structured their daily lives with routines that brought a sense of normalcy, including communal meals, songs, and shared stories. Shackleton enforced rituals to stave off feelings of isolation and despair, recognising that such practices could bolster mental resilience.

Shackleton’s style here aligns with Goleman’s affiliative and coaching leadership styles. By fostering close relationships with his men, he nurtured a sense of unity and shared purpose. Shackleton personally checked in on each crew member, monitoring their spirits and ensuring they felt valued and understood. He paid particular attention to men he sensed were struggling, recognising that negativity could spread quickly and impact morale.

If a man seemed downhearted, Shackleton would pair him with stronger crew members or assign him a task to reignite his sense of purpose. Peer mentoring at its finest! We see this in the modern world, where only now are we beginning to appreciate the power of peer support, the sheer benefits to the individual and the team of having that true psychological safety and knowing that someone has your back.

When days felt interminable and the environment oppressive, Shackleton’s optimism became a moral compass for the crew. He taught them to focus on the positives, no matter how small, to find hope in moments of laughter, camaraderie, or shared accomplishments. Shackleton didn’t allow pessimism to take root, instead, he turned every minor achievement into a victory, showing his men that there was always something to be grateful for or inspired by.

It must be mentioned here, though that the order to abandon the Endurance, came with some challenges to Shackleton’s command. There was an air of hostility between Harry "Chippy" McNish and Ernest Shackleton, which primarily stemmed from an incident during the Endurance expedition that tested McNish’s loyalty and Shackleton’s authority.

When the Endurance was trapped and eventually crushed in the Antarctic ice, Shackleton ordered that all non-essential items be left behind as the crew prepared to abandon the ship. Among those items was McNish's beloved cat, Mrs. Chippy, who had become a cherished companion for the crew, especially for McNish.

Mrs Chippy was affectionately named due to always being with McNish. The cat, actually a He, was reportedly the only soul that McNish was close with and must have been a huge trauma for McNish to have lost his friend in the sterility of survival.?Shackleton decided that taking animals on the arduous journey across the ice would be an unsustainable burden and a potential hazard, ultimately ordering the cat's death to prevent suffering.

This decision hit McNish hard, as Mrs. Chippy was not only a source of companionship but also represented a sense of normalcy and connection to home amidst the desolate landscape of ice and isolation. McNish’s anger over the loss of Mrs. Chippy contributed to simmering tensions with Shackleton. This tension later surfaced during the crew’s harrowing journey across the ice, where McNish, in a rare moment of defiance, challenged Shackleton's authority. He argued that the terms of their contracts were void since the ship was no longer seaworthy.

Shackleton’s response to this insubordination was swift and resolute. He reminded McNish and the rest of the crew that discipline and unity were essential to their survival, making it clear that his authority was non-negotiable. This firm stance effectively quelled dissent, but McNish’s bitterness lingered. Despite this, Shackleton later recognised McNish’s skills and relied on him to strengthen the James Caird for its journey to South Georgia, a testament to Shackleton’s ability to separate personal feelings from critical decision-making. McNish ultimately played a pivotal role in the survival mission, even though the relationship between him and Shackleton remained complex and strained.

McNish’s hostility highlights the difficult, often painful decisions Shackleton had to make as a leader, prioritising the greater good over individual sentiment. It also demonstrates the emotional burden Shackleton bore, as he had to continually make tough calls to keep the team focused, despite the personal cost to relationships and morale.

Harry McNish died in New Zealand in 1930, and a bronze of Mrs Chippy was added to his grave in 2004 in respect. Such was the legacy of the Chippy, and his cat.

Leading by Example in the “Long March” Across the Ice

When it became clear that waiting on the ice floes was unsustainable, Shackleton led his crew on an arduous journey across miles of shifting ice, dragging lifeboats in search of open water. Shackleton’s example here reflects Goleman’s pacesetting style, as he set a relentless physical pace and took on the most gruelling tasks himself. His actions demonstrated that he would ask nothing of his men that he wasn’t willing to do himself. Shackleton’s optimism underpinned his every action, embodying his belief that with enough persistence, they could overcome the odds.

During this journey, Shackleton wrote in his log:

“I have marvelled often at the thin line that divides success from failure and the sudden turn that leads from apparently certain disaster to comparative safety.”

This perspective shows his ability to see potential in every situation, even when faced with apparent defeat. Shackleton’s optimism wasn’t blind faith, it was an informed confidence that setbacks often contain hidden paths to success. He inspired his crew to hold onto this belief, teaching them that what seemed like a dead end might just be a bend in the road.

Shackleton kept his men focused on achievable goals, breaking down their journey into smaller, manageable tasks. Rather than allowing them to be overwhelmed by the magnitude of their predicament, he encouraged them to take it step by step, day by day. This approach not only kept morale intact but also reinforced their belief in the power of persistence. By setting attainable goals and leading by example, Shackleton showed his men that their progress, no matter how slow, brought them one step closer to safety.

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The Impossible Challenge

Optimism, Trust, and the Arduous Journey to Elephant Island, and South Georgia

Embarking on a break to land, Shackleton and his men in their three little boats headed out. They rowed and navigated through dangerous, ice-strewn seas for around 130 miles (209 kilometres) before finally reaching the desolate Elephant Island. This was a critical milestone, as it brought them to solid ground after over a year trapped in the ice.

Navigating the open seas under Shackleton’s conditions was a feat of almost unimaginable skill, especially considering the tools available at the time. Shackleton and his navigator, Frank Worsley, relied solely on a sextant to chart their 800-mile course from Elephant Island to South Georgia. A sextant measures the angle between a celestial object (usually the sun) and the horizon, which can then be used to calculate one’s latitude.

However, in the turbulent conditions of the Southern Ocean, taking an accurate reading was extraordinarily challenging. In their small, storm-tossed boat, Worsley had to wait for rare moments of calm, holding the sextant steady enough to align the sun with the horizon while waves broke over the sides, drenching him with icy water. Even a slight miscalculation could have led them dangerously off course.

It wasn’t just a matter of skill with instruments; it required intense concentration, physical endurance, and intuition honed by years of experience to translate these fleeting readings into a viable course on a chart. This precision in navigation under dire circumstances stands as a testament to the incredible talent and discipline required to lead a crew to safety through some of the world’s harshest waters. After weeks of relentless struggle, the crew reached Elephant Island, a barren, windswept outcrop in the vast Southern Ocean.

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The James Caird Expedition

Shackleton knew that staying on the island was unsustainable, so he devised a bold plan. He and five other men would embark on a journey in the lifeboat James Caird to reach South Georgia and seek rescue. This decision displays Goleman’s Commanding and Visionary styles. Shackleton’s confidence in his plan rallied his men around this final, and hugely audacious hope. This voyage of approximately 800 miles (1,287 kilometres) across the perilous Southern Ocean was a remarkable feat of endurance and navigation, as they faced towering waves, brutal cold, and constant threats of capsizing.

Shackleton chose 4 other men for the James Caird journey, each bringing unique strengths to this high-stakes mission.

On this new tasking, Shackleton’s leadership was to be the constant driving force behind the journey. His optimism, resilience, and decisiveness kept the entire crew motivated through dire circumstances. Shackleton knew that without a successful journey to South Georgia, all 28 men would likely perish on Elephant Island. He chose the James Caird crew with purpose, focusing on a blend of skills, endurance, and loyalty. Shackleton’s role as leader was not only to guide and inspire, but also to bear the mental weight of responsibility for every life on the expedition.

He selected his other 4 crew very carefully. These were:

Frank Worsley (Endurance Captain and Expert Navigator) – As the ship’s captain, Worsley’s navigational skill was central to the success of the voyage. Shackleton trusted Worsley’s precise use of the sextant, a demanding feat in the pitching, icy conditions of the Southern Ocean. Worsley’s navigation would prove vital, requiring immense concentration, experience and courage to take readings under hostile weather conditions. Shackleton had complete faith in Worsley’s ability to find a course to South Georgia, recognising him as a critical asset to the team’s survival.

Tom Crean (Second Officer) – Crean, a tough Irish sailor with extensive polar experience, was known for his physical strength and unshakeable loyalty. Shackleton valued Crean’s ability to endure extreme hardship and his unwavering commitment to his comrades. Crean had proven his dedication to Shackleton on previous expeditions, and his robust spirit helped to keep the team united and resilient, even during the most harrowing moments.

Tim McCarthy (Able Seaman) – McCarthy, though a relatively junior member, was selected for his exceptional seamanship and positive outlook. His youthful energy and enduring optimism added a layer of morale to the small crew, making him indispensable during moments of exhaustion and despair. McCarthy’s resilience and steady temperament allowed him to contribute meaningfully, helping the team maintain a sense of hope and purpose.

Harry “Chippy” McNish (Carpenter) – McNish was an expert carpenter who had modified the James Caird to make it seaworthy for the journey. Though as mentioned previously, he could be difficult and prone to questioning authority, McNish ultimately respected Shackleton’s leadership and rose to the occasion, using his skills to reinforce the boat against the brutal conditions they would face. His craftsmanship was instrumental in ensuring the James Caird could withstand the treacherous journey, making him a critical part of the mission’s success.

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Together, these five souls formed a team united by Shackleton’s leadership, each contributing their unique strengths to a journey that would require unparalleled endurance, resilience, and skill. Their combined efforts demonstrated Shackleton’s keen eye for assembling a balanced team, relying on loyalty, competence, and mental toughness to navigate one of history’s most dangerous survival missions.

Before departing, Shackleton left behind a clear routine and instructions, giving the men a structure to follow in his absence. His optimism remained a stabilising force, he assured them that he would return, and his men absolutely believed him. Shackleton’s leadership at this moment exemplified the power of authentic trust, built over months of shared hardship. His faith in the mission and his optimism about their rescue became a beacon for his crew, who clung to his promise.

For 17 long days, Shackleton and his small team endured the treacherous journey to South Georgia. When they finally arrived, they faced yet another significant and seemingly impossible task. Their mission now was to traverse the mountainous terrain without proper equipment, also which had never been explored before, to reach the nearest whaling station on the other side of the island. Shackleton’s resilience and optimism propelled them forward, embodying his belief that difficulties were “just things to overcome.” His determination to save his men drove him to accomplish what seemed impossible, proving to his crew, and to the world, that survival was achievable through sheer endurance and faith.

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Shackleton’s Enduring Legacy of Optimism and Resilience

Shackleton’s leadership remains a profound example of courage, optimism, and adaptability. He led by example, fostered unity through personal connection, and instilled hope through an unshakable belief in the power of resilience. Shackleton’s motto, “By endurance we conquer,” encapsulates not only his physical journey but also the mental and emotional tenacity he instilled in his men. His leadership legacy reminds us that optimism, even in the bleakest moments, can be the true moral courage that separates success from failure.

In Shackleton’s world, optimism wasn’t just about seeing the glass half-full, it was about believing in the possibility of filling it, and finding a way. His ability to find opportunity in apparent defeat, to see difficulties as things to overcome, and to inspire his men to reshape their goals in the face of adversity makes Shackleton a timeless figure in leadership, and an aspirational go-to for any leader facing adversity.

In a fitting tribute to the Boss, the wreck of Endurance, was discovered on March 5, 2022, in the Weddell Sea, almost 100 years after Shackleton's death anniversary on January 5, 1922.

The Endurance was found in nearly 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) of water and was remarkably well-preserved due to the cold, dark, and low-oxygen environment of the Antarctic seabed. Her final resting place was found at 68.339° South, 52.957° West, approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) south of the last position recorded by Shackleton's navigator, Frank Worsley, on that night in 1915.