Rating: 
Summary: Shackleton's Servant Leadership
Review: Sir Ernest Shackleton's well-documented story of his ill-fated attempt to cross the Antarctic Continent and his heroic efforts to save his crew of 27 after the crushing and sinking of his ship Endurance is indeed the material for a major network mini-series. However, Shackleton's Way: Leadership Lessons from the Great Antartic Explorer, is an unglamorous and non-preachy lesson in leadership with authority, integrity, humor, and compassion. I do have a slight criticism, an important lesson in leadership was skipped - balance. Shackleton's ability to coach and encourage, listen and build a sense of community, and focus on meeting the needs of others while developing and bringing out the best in them did not extend to his family. The authors Morrell and Capparell do mention his neglected family. However it was glazed over and they failed to offer insight on how we the reader might learn from this shortcoming. Clearly he was a self-directed and other-focused man, but he lacked balance. He devoted his life to his work and crew while his family settled for scraps of time and attention. It is important that we learn from success and failure, not just the stuff that makes for great TV and/or big screen movies. While Shackleton's Way was admittedly a bit dry at times, I thoroughly enjoyed the mixture of history and practical applications of servant leadership in today's business world. The book provides a glimmer of hope in light of the recent corporate ethics scandals. I am impressed by Shackleton's pioneer sprit in exploration and leadership. He certainly did not have Covey, Greenleaf, Hunter or Autry to reference. How lucky we are to have Sir Ernest. Whether you are searching for a historical biography, travel journal, adventure story or a desktop guide to servant leadership you just might find something more than you bargained for in Shackleton's Way.
Rating: 
Summary: More platitudes on leadership
Review: The authors have taken a potential exemplar of effective leadership and obscured the lessons to be learned with a farrago of trite and banal exhortations. Add this book to the swelling number of leadership publications that offer no deep insight into leaders and the leadership phenomenon.
Rating: 
Summary: A HC British edition based on Shackleton's family papers
Review: The excerpt is a virtual duplication of the early life of this intrepid explorer. Beyond that, it is an incredible story of a man who, as did so many before and after him, explored the unknown; such as the Mountain Men of the 1700s and the Astronaughts of the 1960/70s. The realization that a man walked on the moon and returned to earth in the 1970s exemplifies the immense speed with which knowledge, once gained, can accelerate the speed with which more knowledge becomes known. Shackleton's exploit has all the spirit and confidence of the crew of the Apollo VII, but on a much more approachable scale. The rescue of his entire crew that relied upon his success in sailing a small boat across dangerous seas to a distant ilse, then crossing its mountains to get to the whaling station and help, has all the suspense of Apollo VII. It is enough to have readers shouting HURRAHS by the end. Yet, it is no more than another of so many experiences where man has taken it upon himself to open their world to others, even at the expense of their own lives. Fascinating! HIGHLY REDCOMMENDED. (Shackleton and the Antarctic, by Margery and James Fisher, THE RIVERSIDE PRESS, CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, Houghton Mifflin Company Boston, 1958 (c) 1957).
Rating:
Summary: Leadership lessons from the end of the world
Review: The newspaper advertisement read, "Men Wanted for Hazardous Journey, Small Wages, Bitter Cold, Long Months of Complete Darkness, Constant Danger, Safe Return Doubtful. Honor and Recognition in Case of Success."
Thus begins this journey, and an inside look at leadership exhibited under some of the worst conditions imaginable.
This book takes an inside look at how the leadership of the captain lead his crew to safety while on a mission to explore the South Pole in 1914. While other books are more in depth on the story itself, this one focuses primarily on the leadership styles used at various parts of journey.
What is good about this book is that it puts to rest the idea that leadership cannot be delivered with different styles under adverse conditions. Shackleton uses teamwork, reverse psychology, motivation, direction, listening and a host of other leadership traits to get his crew to safety. He demonstrates "servant leadership" when it matters most.
A great story which will keep you captivated, and some wonderful leadership lessons for use in all conditions. Highly recommended. Also, look for other books on the story and some great movies on DVD as well.
Rating:
Summary: for leaders and the led
Review: This book gives a beautifully pared-down account of an extraordinary story and provides remarkably appropriate analogies in our present day. It should inspire many to read more on the subject of Shackleton and the Endurance expedition,particularly Endurance by Alfred Lansing.Whether you are a leader or among the led in any facet of your life there are lessons to be learned and remembered here. They are laid out in a clear and concise format and illustrated by the ongoing saga of Shackleton and the amazing group of men he brought through an unbelievably harrowing adventure. The book reminds us of the power of good, of compassion, perseverance, and honesty. It is well worthwhile reading for anyone interested in a marvelous story and how it relates to all of us in the here and now.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Book I Ever Read!!!
Review: This book is a masterpiece in its own right. You are given an introduction and understanding as to the accomplishments of Ernest Shackleton, a remarkable and honored explorer and leader. While being transformed into the mind of Shackelton and his crew during the most difficult of times, the book illustrates the Endurance expedition and the leadership styles required for each situation. At the end of each chapter, Shackleton's accomplishments and lessons are applied to an array of present day situations for applicable to everyone.
Rating:
Summary: A great story with a leadership lesson attached
Review: While this book may not be the typical book on leadership, it is still a highly informative book. This book is extremely easy to read and constantly maintains the reader's interest. While so many typical leadership books are dull to the average reader, this book stands out as an exception. I would recommend this book to the average person who does not enjoy reading a leadership book, but still has the need to do so.
| 
