| Description |
"Part adventure story, part leadership guide, this intriguing book examines Shackleton's legendary Antarctic expedition through the lens of business--to reveal a set of powerful strategies for corporate leaders. In the chronicles of extraordinary adventures and against-the-odds survival, nothing compares to the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his team of South Pole explorers. Stranded in the frozen sea for nearly two years, they endured extreme temperatures, hazardous ice, dwindling food, complete isolation, and perpetual blackness. Yet, despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles, the group remained cohesive, congenial, and mercifully alive--a fact that speaks not just to luck but to an unparalleled feat in leadership. Now, for the first time ever, Leading at the Edge draws on this amazing story to reveal the power of effective organizational leadership under conditions of uncertainty, ambiguity, and rapid change. The book uncovers 10 lessons-- complete with stirring examples from the Shackleton expedition, as well as contemporary business case studies of the strategies in action--on what it takes to be a great leader. Readers learn how to: * Set a personal example with vivid symbols and behaviors * Instill optimism while staying grounded in reality * Reinforce the team message constantly * Find something to celebrate and something to laugh about * Have the courage to take big risks, and more. For managers and executives who feel stressed out or stretched thin, these memorable strategies will help bring order to chaos--and success in the face of the most daunting adversity." |
| Author Biography |
Dennis N. T. Perkins, Ph.D. (Branford, CT) is president of the Syncretics Group, a consultancy that specializes in effective leadership. Margaret P. Holtman is director of employee development at Hartford Life, Inc. Paul R. Kessler is a managing consultant at Stromberg Consulting. Catherine McCarthy, Ph.D., is a principal of the consulting firm Kaye & McCarthy. |
| Table of Contents |
"The Shackleton Saga Part I: Ten Strategies for Leading at the Edge 1. Vision and Quick Victories: Never Lose Sight of the Ultimate Goal, and Focus Energy on Short-Term Objectives 2. Symbolism and Personal Example: Set a Personal Example with Visible, Memorable Symbols and Behaviors 3. Optimism and Reality: Instill Optimism and Self-Confidence, but Stay Grounded in Reality 4. Stamina: Take Care of Yourself: Maintain Your Stamina and Let Go of Guilt 5. The Team Message: Reinforce the Team Message Constantly: We Are One--We Live or Die Together. 6. Core Team Values: Minimize Status Differences and Insist on Courtesy and Mutual Respect 7. Conflict: Master Conflict--Deal with Anger in Small Doses, Engage Dissidents, and Avoid Needless Power Struggles 8. Lighten Up! Find Something to Celebrate and Something to Laugh About 9. Risk: Be Willing to Take the Big Risk 10. Tenacious Creativity: Never Give Up--There’s Always Another Move Part II: Case Studies in Leading at the Edge 11. Introduction to the Case Studies 12. Business Communication Systems (AT&T): Back to the Future 13. Rice Health Systems: Healing a Sick Organization 14. Weyerhaeuser Company: Transforming a Culture 15. Malden Mills: Rising from the Ashes Part III: Continuing Your Expedition 16. Learning to Lead at the Edge 17. Epilogue: A Perspective on Success and Failure Part IV: Resources for Leading at the Edge Resources Critical Leadership Skills Survey Your Leadership Expedition: A Personal Development Plan Further Readings from the Edge Notes Index" |
