Here’s What You Don’t Know About Roald Amundsen.

You’ve heard great mountaineers express the reason for climbing Everest, “Because it’s there.”?That’s a lame explanation.?Seems weak.?That reasoning could also apply to why someone might gorge themselves on ice cream.

Robert Falcon Scott, a British explorer and racer to be the first to the South Pole had a much better and more eloquent motivation, “The main objective of this expedition is to reach the South Pole, and to secure for The British Empire the honour of this achievement.” ?

Imagine the contrasts of his potential recruiting process.?“Hey guys, although the South Pole is wicked cold and supremely harsh, I think we should go just because it’s there.”?Or, “Fellas, the honor of accomplishing this goal will be a halo bestowed upon you for the rest of your life.”?Big difference.?Although Scott had King Edward VII’s favor and was successful in raising sufficient funds and a notable team, ultimately Scott was beaten to the South Pole.?But his pure inspiration is worthy of being notable.

The same goes for business.?Are you there to simply drive revenue or change people’s lives?

Remember, people don’t buy products they buy the perception of a changed life.

Is your business more driven by revenue metrics than the honor of the achievement??Customers smell the difference a mile away.?Doing your best and creating solutions has a different vibe than “being sold”.?If you want long term success, you’ve got to consider your motivations.?Simon Sinek would call this your “Why”.

Roald Amundsen’s Norwegian team of 5 beat Scott to the South Pole in 1911.?For all of eternity Amundsen and his team will be known for arriving first.?While there are myriad tales of the trials of getting to the Pole, the lesser known tale is why.

At a November 10,1908 meeting with the Norwegian Geographical Society, Amundsen revealed his science and exploration plan that included being first to the North Pole.?The science component might take up to 5 years, with,”… continuous observations that would help explain unresolved problems.” So enamored with the plan, King Harken opened a subscription list with the first gift of 20,000 kroner.?On February 6, 1909 the Norwegian Parliament approved a grant of 75,000 kroner.?In addition, the state-owned exploration ship Fram, would be appropriated to Amundsen for the adventure.?Amundsen basked in light of broad backing.

However, when September 1909 newspapers carried reports that Robert Peary reached the North Pole, Amundsen strategically recalculated his plan.?To avoid a complete disintegration of government support, private sponsorships and potential revocation of using the Fram, Amundsen mortgaged his house and belongings then set sail for the North Pole on August, 9 1910. ?

Upon reaching Funchal, Portugal to resupply the Fram, Amundsen revealed his South Pole detour plan to his crew who responded with 100% support.

Imagine Amundsen tossing and turning after learning that Peary had dashed his plans. ?The ensuing fears of where to pivot had to be crushing.?Waning financial support and diminished crowd favor must have worn nerves thin.?Finally, cashing in all of his chips and venturing forth for a new destination with staggering risk of life, finances and reputation is unfathomable.

The man had guts, you have to give him that.?But from Amundsen’s perspective, his path was clear, “Victory awaits him who has everything in order- luck, people call it”. He had a manifest mission and effectively enlisted the support of those who mattered.

Action is the difference between dreams and reality.?Amundsen would be among the anonymous millions if he gave up and regaled his pals with unrealized aspirations.?Faced with blown up plans, he chose a new path and didn’t waiver.?Carefully detailing his vision, he rallied his crew and together they executed a plan we still talk about over 110 years later. ?

It’s a marvel that Amundsen could define a workable strategy, through the torrent of disappointment and frustration.?His risks carried real penalties, like death and dismemberment of character.?To his credit he not only reached the South Pole first but every member of his entire exploration team and ship crew made it back to Norway.?Further, on May 12, 1926 Amundsen's ship mate and close friend, Oscar Wisting, became the first to visit both the South and North Poles.

While detractors castigated Amundsen, even competitor Scott’s hometown newspaper, the London Times, remarked favorably, “Still, no one who knows Captain Amundsen can have any doubt of his integrity.”

Both Scott and Amundsen left ports with a higher purpose in mind.?They set out to put their own ding in the world, doing it for the honor of the accomplishment.?It’s interesting to note that nowhere was financial reward ever recorded as a galvanizing purpose for either endeavor. ?

Does your company scorecard include your higher purpose?