TLTW#28: Leading Through Adversity

Every leader faces moments of uncertainty. When I do, I think about Shackleton.

In 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton embarked on the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition aboard the Endurance, aiming to achieve the first land crossing of Antarctica. However, the mission took an unexpected turn when the ship became trapped and eventually crushed by pack ice, leaving Shackleton and his 27-man crew stranded in one of the most inhospitable environments on Earth. Over the course of nearly two years, Shackleton's leadership ensured the survival of every crew member—a feat that continues to offer profound lessons for leaders today.

Lesson 1. When Hiring, put a premium on Attitude

Shackleton knew that technical skills alone wouldn’t be enough to survive the brutal Antarctic conditions. He understood that attitude was the ultimate differentiator—the force that would hold his team together when everything else fell apart. He didn’t just seek skilled men; he sought those who were optimistic in adversity, resilient under pressure, and adaptable in the face of the unknown. This unwavering focus on attitude created a crew that refused to break, even when the ice crushed their ship and their original mission dissolved into a fight for survival.

In my own leadership journey, I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. My biggest hiring mistakes weren’t about missing a technical qualification or overlooking experience—it was when I brought on individuals with a negative, rigid mindset. No matter how skilled someone is, a fixed mindset can quietly erode morale, disrupt cohesion, and drain the energy of an entire team—especially in times of uncertainty.?

Shackleton’s approach changed how I think about hiring and building teams. Skills can be taught, but attitude determines whether a team rises to the challenge or crumbles under pressure. The leaders who thrive aren’t necessarily the smartest or most experienced—they are the ones who can rally their team, maintain belief, and inspire resilience, even in the toughest storms.

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Lesson 2. Know When to Pivot: From Glory to Survival

Great leadership isn’t about sticking to the plan—it’s about knowing when to change it.

Shackleton set out in pursuit of glory and discovery, but fate had other plans. When the Endurance became trapped and eventually crushed by the relentless Antarctic ice, he made a decision that defined his legacy—not as an explorer, but as a leader. In that moment, success was no longer about reaching Antarctica. Success was survival.

He asked himself the only questions that mattered:

“How will my men survive?”

“How will I lead them to survival?”

“How will I help them believe that they can survive?”

In an instant, he let go of personal ambition and redefined the mission—not as one of conquest, but of preservation. Every action, every strategy, every ounce of his energy was redirected toward one goal: bringing his men home alive.

This is the essence of great leadership: the ability to pivot when the mission changes, to put ego aside, and to focus on what truly matters.

Plans will fail. Circumstances will shift. The unexpected will happen. The best leaders are not the ones who cling stubbornly to the original path, but those who have the wisdom and courage to forge a new one.

Lesson 3. Manage AND Lead

Shackleton excelled in both managing daily operations and providing visionary leadership. To maintain order in the face of chaos, he established structured routines—regular meal times, assigned duties, and a daily rhythm that kept his men engaged, focused, and psychologically stable But he didn’t stop at structure. He infused every moment with vision. He constantly reminded his crew of their inevitable rescue, painting a vivid picture of the day they would step back onto solid ground. Even in the darkest moments, he kept the flame of hope alive.

This is what true leadership demands—the ability to manage both the day-to-day and the long-term vision. It’s not enough to enforce structure and discipline; people need a reason to push forward, a future worth fighting for.

As a leader, I strive to emulate this balance by ensuring that my team has clear structures and routines while also communicating a compelling vision that motivates and unites us. Because in times of uncertainty, teams don’t just need direction—they need hope.

Lesson 4. Focus on Team Energy, Outlook, Engagement, and Cohesion

Shackleton understood that in the harshest conditions, a leader’s greatest responsibility isn’t just survival—it’s keeping his team’s spirit unbreakable. He knew that success depended not only on physical endurance but on the energy, outlook, engagement, and cohesion of his men. Without these, even the strongest crew would crumble.

To sustain energy, he enforced rest, ensuring his men didn’t burn out in their relentless battle against the elements. He made sure they had structure in their days, maintaining routines that preserved both physical strength and mental stamina.

To protect their outlook, he became a beacon of optimism, never allowing despair to take root. Even in the darkest moments, he reminded them that survival was possible and that they would one day walk free again. His belief became their belief.

To fuel engagement, he kept everyone actively involved in meaningful tasks, rotating duties to prevent boredom and frustration. Whether it was hunting for food, maintaining equipment, or organizing camp life, every man had a role—a purpose that kept their minds sharp and their will strong.

To strengthen cohesion, he fostered camaraderie through shared meals, storytelling, and even moments of humor. He understood that isolation breeds weakness, but connection creates resilience.

Shackleton didn’t just keep his team alive—he kept them together. And that’s the ultimate lesson for leaders: success isn’t just about strategy or execution. It’s about sustaining your team’s energy, shaping their outlook, driving engagement, and fostering deep cohesion. Because when everything else is uncertain, those four elements are what will carry your team through.

Lesson 5. Stay Close to Potential Disruptors

Shackleton understood a fundamental truth about leadership—the strength of a team isn’t just built on its most capable members, but also on how well a leader manages its most disruptive ones. He knew that negativity is contagious and that unchecked pessimism or insubordination could fracture the crew’s unity at the worst possible moment.?

Rather than letting dissent fester, he took control. He kept the most skeptical, difficult personalities close to him, assigning them tasks under his direct supervision. By doing so, he channelled their energy, managed their influence, and prevented them from spreading doubt among the team.

This is a powerful lesson for leaders today: ignoring disruptors won’t make them disappear. Engagement, not avoidance, is the key to maintaining unity. When we actively listen to concerns, redirect unproductive energy, and involve dissenting voices in meaningful work, we prevent negativity from taking hold and create an environment where everyone remains aligned toward a common goal.?

Great leaders don’t just lead the willing—they win over the doubtful and neutralize the disruptive. And in doing so, they keep their teams strong, focused, and unbreakable.

Sir Ernest Shackleton’s leadership during the Endurance expedition stands as one of history’s greatest testaments to resilience, adaptability, and the power of leading with the right mindset. Stranded in the most unforgiving environment on Earth, he didn’t just manage survival—he inspired it. Shackleton’s unwavering belief in his men, his ability to pivot in the face of uncertainty, and his mastery of team dynamics transformed what could have been a tragic failure into an extraordinary triumph of human endurance and unity.

His story isn’t just a lesson in leadership—it’s a reminder that when everything falls apart, true leaders rise. In the face of unforeseen challenges, the right attitude, a clear vision, and an unshakable commitment to your team can turn even the direst situations into defining moments of strength and perseverance.

Resource: Resilient Leadership by Prof. Nancy Koehn : https://lessons.online.hbs.edu/lesson/resilient-leadership/

#leadership #resilience #adversity #business #MYLP