Leadership Development

The subject of strategic leadership development within companies often looks towards the leadership qualities of polar explorers as a template for effective management skills. This post takes a look at three of the key learning points from the explorer Ernest Shackleton.

All strategic planning begins with establishing what the goal or vision is of the company. This invariably includes any of the business growth strategies or innovative marketing ideas which the firm may be considering. For polar explorers like Shackleton, the goal was always to reach the South Pole and expand the scientific knowledge of the scientists that are brought on his expeditions. All other planning fed out of these visions and had to be incorporated into the people employed and the various supplies and materials that are needed.

All strategic decisions within a company also need to incorporate factors outside of the firm’s control including the marketplace as a whole, competition, and the various suppliers. As changes occur in these areas, the firm needs to be able to plan ahead for how to mitigate against these problems. Shackleton had keenly planned out the various eventualities and dangers that are inherent in their trip. He was also aware of the importance of the scientific equipment and sledging supplies/food supplies that were brought, so these were planned and tested months in advance.

One of the fundamental elements of strategic leadership development is hiring the right people in the first place and nurturing their independence and management abilities within a firm. Shackleton was very careful to employ people with the right skills and a broad range of abilities and then put them to task in small groups in order to overcome specifically tough assignments.

Many enterprises do not have the same challenge as Shackleton had and certainly do not experience the same level of risks to their own lives. However, setting a clear vision and establishing the plans and people necessary in order to realize this vision is fundamental to both of these types of endeavors.