Leadership Lessons From The Race To The South Pole

A project management expert identifies methods for running any project successfully based on lessons learned from the exploits of two storied explorers. What could be more intriguing than a management book built around a gripping story of exploration? The 1911–12 race between British explorer Robert Scott and Norwegian Roald Amundsen to be first to the South Pole provides the rarest of case studies. Two teams carry out the same project. One is spectacularly successful; the other fails miserably. Just about everything about good—and bad—planning, management expert Fergus O'Connell maintains, can be learned from these leaders. The results of poor planning are not always as dire as they were for Scott. But in business, poor planning can have serious consequences, often because the same mistakes are repeated. Starting with an introduction that details their exploits, the book goes on to use Scott and Amundsen as examples of good and not-so-good leadership. It contrasts the difference in how the two men planned and executed their projects and how they led their teams, highlighting things that must be in place for success. What can happen when those things are ignored is also spelled out. Readers will come away from this book entertained and with a in-depth understanding of a new method for assessing the health of any project—and running it successfully.

Part historical essay, part scientific article, and part enthralling diary-Roald Amundsen's (1872-1928) book presents intriguing documentation about how his expedition reached the South Pole on December 14, 1911, just one month ahead of his rival, Robert Scott. Amundsen organized his gripping account using what is referred to in the film industry as the zooming technique. It starts in the past, examining the history of Antarctic exploration in different eras, and then moves ahead to describe how his own expedition was created, its organization, the slow stages involved in preparing for departure and, finally, the heart-stopping excitement of the race to the South Pole. Supplementing the vivid first-person text are black-and-white archival photographs illustrating the actual expedition, and color photographs depicting the landscape of Antarctica.

True South is uncharted territory in the world of leadership: an in-depth comparison of leadership practices that succeed and fail, observed from the petri dish of the last terrestrial frontier. Ravaged by ripping winds and miles of unspeakable peril in their epic race to claim the South Pole, famed explorers Roald Amundsen and Robert Scott are pitted against each other and the cruel Antarctic terrain, risking their lives with every step. Swept into the century-old narrative, today’s reader will discover the needed navigational tools for a lifetime of compassionate entrepreneurial leadership along the way.

Drawing on the amazing story of Shackleton and his polar exploration team’s survival against all odds, author Dennis N. T. Perkins demonstrates the importance of a strong leader in times of adversity, uncertainty, and change. Part adventure tale and part leadership guide, Leading at the Edge uncovers what the legendary Antarctic adventure of Sir Ernest Shackleton, his ship Endurance, and his team of twenty-seven polar explorers can teach us about bringing order to chaos through true leadership. Among other skills, you’ll learn how to: instill optimism while staying grounded in reality, step up to risks worth taking, consistently reinforce your team message, set a personal example, find things to celebrate, laugh small things off, and--even in the face of extreme temperatures, hazardous ice, scarce food, and complete isolation--never give up. This second edition of Leading at the Edge features additional lessons, new case studies of the strategies in action, tools to uncover and resolve conflicts, and expanded resources. An updated epilogue compares the leadership styles of the famous polar explorers Shackleton, Amundsen, and Scott, which transcend the one-hundred-plus years since their historic race to the South Pole to help today’s leaders learn valuable lessons about the meaning of true success.

TRUE SOUTH: LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM POLAR EXTREMES The Scott/Amundsen race to the South Pole in 1911 is a legendary outdoor misadventure that has captured the imaginations of people the world for over a century. The lessons chronicled in True South are poignant - the difference between getting back and starving - determined by leadership. "The adventure and intrigue of the race over the endless ice is guaranteed to entertain, but more importantly, leaders and followers alike will find the lessons contained within universally applicable in setting one's compass towards True South." Dr. Nido Qubein, President, High Point University Other epic outdoor adventures can't compare to the high drama revealed in TRUE SOUTH. Climbing to the 29,029 foot peak of Mount Everest where climbers must contend with extreme cold, high altitude and unpredictable weather conditions; the grueling Iditarod Trail dog sled race through blizzards, sub-zero temperatures and treacherous terrain to the finish line; and the 2,000 mile, Tour de France bicycle race through steep mountains, valleys---both with weather--- and cities in France, during intense competition, rank far behind Antarctica (begging to take your life). Five Englishmen died in their quest to reach true South first at the bottom of the globe and return to McMurdo Sound before Winter returns in March where tardiness has the punch to kill all life. Antarctica with an average -71 degrees Fahrenheit, with only 6.5 inches of precipitation on average, is the fifth largest continent about 40% larger than Europe, and with 70% of the world's freshwater reserves, untouched by man until 1896. Antarctica proved to be the perfect Petri dish to compare Scott's command-and-control leadership with Amundsen's followership, (different from servant leadership.) Moreover, both polar explorers started at the same time with identical goals. A FEW OF MANY REVIEWS ABOUT TRUE SOUTH: "Whether you are looking for a thrilling (and chilling) tale of polar exploration or searching for the cold facts about the path to effective entrepreneurial leadership, TRUE SOUTH provides the GPS coordinates to follow." Patrick McGurn, the "Most Influential in Corporate Governance" by NACD Directorship. "Framing leadership via the comparison of Amundsen's and Scott's journey to the South Pole makes for an exciting read." Professor Stan Mandel, Wake Forest School of Business. "Mr. Johnston has served on five public company boards, was appointed CEO of two NASDAQ companies and CEO for over 10 private organizations. TRUE SOUTH is not only a welcome addition to the boardroom but an adventure story that will astound and fascinate." Jeffrey M. Cunningham, Author, Founder and Managing Director of NACD Directorship Magazine. Author J. Phillips L. Johnston J.D. offers a hands-on understanding of leadership as the founder and CEO of a number of technology companies including Cofounder and Vice Chairman of Koolbridge Solar, 15 years as former CEO of two public microelectronic companies and director of five public companies including a NYSE listed company.

The South Pole is a book by Roald Amundsen and it represents an interesting first-hand account of the Norwegian expedition's successful attempt to reach the South Pole in 1911. Amundsen spends a great deal of time talking about logistics and placing of depots in preparation for his polar attempt all the way from the preparation leading up to the initial sea voyage, the voyage itself and then the establishing of a camp at the Antarctic. Although they were lucky with the weather, and Amundsen attributed the success of the expedition to "good luck", it is obvious that the Norwegian expedition was well prepared and ready for the troubles ahead; the equipment, the sledges with well-trained dogs, the supply depots with seal meat at regular intervals along the route, the sunglasses to avoid snow blindness; it was all thought of in advance.

Lead your business to survival and success by following the example of legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton Sir Ernest Shackleton has been called "the greatest leader that ever came on God's earth, bar none" for saving the lives of the twenty-seven men stranded with him in the Antarctic for almost two years. Because of his courageous actions, he remains to this day a model for great leadership and masterful crisis management. Now, through anecdotes, the diaries of the men in his crew, and Shackleton's own writing, Shackleton's leadership style and time-honored principles are translated for the modern business world. Written by two veteran business observers and illustrated with ship photographer Frank Hurley's masterpieces and other rarely seen photos, this practical book helps today's leaders follow Shackleton's triumphant example. "An important addition to any leader's library." -Seattle Times

A project management expert identifies methods for running any project successfully based on lessons learned from the exploits of two storied explorers. What could be more intriguing than a management book built around a gripping story of exploration? The 1911–12 race between British explorer Robert Scott and Norwegian Roald Amundsen to be first to the South Pole provides the rarest of case studies. Two teams carry out the same project. One is spectacularly successful; the other fails miserably. Just about everything about good—and bad—planning, management expert Fergus O'Connell maintains, can be learned from these leaders. The results of poor planning are not always as dire as they were for Scott. But in business, poor planning can have serious consequences, often because the same mistakes are repeated. Starting with an introduction that details their exploits, the book goes on to use Scott and Amundsen as examples of good and not-so-good leadership. It contrasts the difference in how the two men planned and executed their projects and how they led their teams, highlighting things that must be in place for success. What can happen when those things are ignored is also spelled out. Readers will come away from this book entertained and with a in-depth understanding of a new method for assessing the health of any project—and running it successfully.