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Leading at the Edge : Leadership Lessons from the Extraordinary Saga of Shackleton's Antarctic Expedition
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.
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.
268 pages, Hardcover
First published April 30, 2000
About the author
Dennis N.T. Perkins
7 books3 followersDennis Perkins is Chief Executive Officer of The Syncretics Group, a firm devoted to effective leadership and teamwork in demanding environments. Dennis has studied leaders and teams facing conditions of extreme challenge – a place he calls The Edge – the outer limits of human endurance.
Based on his research, Dennis has identified critical strategies that enable leaders and teams to reach their greatest potential in any challenging environment.
Dennis’ passion to understand The Edge has taken him to disparate places – to Antarctica, where he retraced the footsteps of famed explorer, Ernest Shackleton; and to Australia, where he sailed with the crew of the Midnight Rambler, winners of the challenging 1998 Sydney to Hobart Race. He subsequently completed the 626 nautical-mile race, often called the Everest of offshore racing, as a crew member on a Volvo 60 racing boat.
Dr. Perkins has worked for over thirty years as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and teams in organizations ranging from Fortune 100 corporations to nonprofit associations.
He is a highly, sought-after keynote speaker and an accomplished author. His riveting keynote presentations feature dramatic stories recounted in his best-selling books, Leading at The Edge and Into the Storm.
A graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Dennis served as a Marine infantry officer in Vietnam. He subsequently received his MBA from Harvard University, and a PhD in psychology at The University of Michigan. Before he founded The Syncretics Group, Dennis was a faculty member at the Yale University School of Management.
Dr. Perkins has written extensively on leadership, teamwork and organizational effectiveness. He is the author of Leading at the Edge: Leadership Lessons from the Extraordinary Saga of Shackleton’s Antarctic Expedition; Into the Storm: Lessons in Teamwork from the Treacherous Sydney to Hobart Ocean Race. Managing Change: The Challenge of Building a New Organization; Racing through the Storm: Building Exceptional Teams in Extraordinary Times; and Using the Power of Resonant Metaphor to Increase Leadership Effectiveness.
For more information about Dennis and his services, please visit our website http://syncreticsgroup.com/ or email inquiries to Info@SyncreticsGroup.com
You can also connect with Dennis on social media:
https://twitter.com/dntp
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisntp...
Based on his research, Dennis has identified critical strategies that enable leaders and teams to reach their greatest potential in any challenging environment.
Dennis’ passion to understand The Edge has taken him to disparate places – to Antarctica, where he retraced the footsteps of famed explorer, Ernest Shackleton; and to Australia, where he sailed with the crew of the Midnight Rambler, winners of the challenging 1998 Sydney to Hobart Race. He subsequently completed the 626 nautical-mile race, often called the Everest of offshore racing, as a crew member on a Volvo 60 racing boat.
Dr. Perkins has worked for over thirty years as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and teams in organizations ranging from Fortune 100 corporations to nonprofit associations.
He is a highly, sought-after keynote speaker and an accomplished author. His riveting keynote presentations feature dramatic stories recounted in his best-selling books, Leading at The Edge and Into the Storm.
A graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Dennis served as a Marine infantry officer in Vietnam. He subsequently received his MBA from Harvard University, and a PhD in psychology at The University of Michigan. Before he founded The Syncretics Group, Dennis was a faculty member at the Yale University School of Management.
Dr. Perkins has written extensively on leadership, teamwork and organizational effectiveness. He is the author of Leading at the Edge: Leadership Lessons from the Extraordinary Saga of Shackleton’s Antarctic Expedition; Into the Storm: Lessons in Teamwork from the Treacherous Sydney to Hobart Ocean Race. Managing Change: The Challenge of Building a New Organization; Racing through the Storm: Building Exceptional Teams in Extraordinary Times; and Using the Power of Resonant Metaphor to Increase Leadership Effectiveness.
For more information about Dennis and his services, please visit our website http://syncreticsgroup.com/ or email inquiries to Info@SyncreticsGroup.com
You can also connect with Dennis on social media:
https://twitter.com/dntp
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisntp...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 7, 2017
I downloaded this when I saw it revolved around the Shackleford Expedition.
This is an excellent book for learning leadership skills for the corporate world. Not so for the small business company. I did find one or two ideas that might work for the company I’m currently with.
However, as the last chapters came about, I felt the message was being lost. The first six or seven ideas were spot on. The book should have ended here and it would have been a home run. Instead it continued on and the ideas started to become watered down, lessening the impact. I’ve many of these self-help, motivational, team-building works and for whatever reason, they seem to follow the same formula. My question is why? Why do they continue watering down the main message?
Overall, it’s a good read. The comparison of Shackelford’s accomplishments in the harshest, most hopeless situations and how he managed his team were easily translated into today’s world of corporations and middles size companies.
Four stars
This is an excellent book for learning leadership skills for the corporate world. Not so for the small business company. I did find one or two ideas that might work for the company I’m currently with.
However, as the last chapters came about, I felt the message was being lost. The first six or seven ideas were spot on. The book should have ended here and it would have been a home run. Instead it continued on and the ideas started to become watered down, lessening the impact. I’ve many of these self-help, motivational, team-building works and for whatever reason, they seem to follow the same formula. My question is why? Why do they continue watering down the main message?
Overall, it’s a good read. The comparison of Shackelford’s accomplishments in the harshest, most hopeless situations and how he managed his team were easily translated into today’s world of corporations and middles size companies.
Four stars
April 8, 2017
I'd love to give it more stars but the best thing about this book are discussions we had with a group reading it. These discussions were much deeper than the ones we had around Deep change.
I never knew who Shackleton was before reading this book, and I think his story is amazing and definitely something to learn from (even though, as usual, I doubt going into this expedition was a wise thing to do).
I never knew who Shackleton was before reading this book, and I think his story is amazing and definitely something to learn from (even though, as usual, I doubt going into this expedition was a wise thing to do).
March 11, 2024
Let’s start this review by saying thank you to my wonderful girlfriend Sarah, for goading me back into reading books!
This book was first suggested to me as a student, during the course of a class on strategic management for my master’s program. I was interested in this book as a means of learning more about Shackleton’s failed expedition, rather than the leadership teachings it detailed. I was familiar enough with the expedition, but not the details of it. This is part of the reason, I only rated it four out of five stars. When you put that aside however, the author’s message becomes much clearer. The concepts being taught by the author were woven into details and scenes from the expedition. The author repeatedly talks about leading at The Edge and ways in which to attain a successful outcome. The most resounding of which, was leading from the front. Shackleton, time after time, gave his food, clothes or took shifts from his fellow men because he felt the need to lead from the front. This resulted in not a single man perishing, when there were countless opportunities to have done so.
The book might be a little outdated as it referenced videotapes and beepers, but the teachings still hold true to this day. I undoubtedly better understand what it takes to lead at The Edge.
This book was first suggested to me as a student, during the course of a class on strategic management for my master’s program. I was interested in this book as a means of learning more about Shackleton’s failed expedition, rather than the leadership teachings it detailed. I was familiar enough with the expedition, but not the details of it. This is part of the reason, I only rated it four out of five stars. When you put that aside however, the author’s message becomes much clearer. The concepts being taught by the author were woven into details and scenes from the expedition. The author repeatedly talks about leading at The Edge and ways in which to attain a successful outcome. The most resounding of which, was leading from the front. Shackleton, time after time, gave his food, clothes or took shifts from his fellow men because he felt the need to lead from the front. This resulted in not a single man perishing, when there were countless opportunities to have done so.
The book might be a little outdated as it referenced videotapes and beepers, but the teachings still hold true to this day. I undoubtedly better understand what it takes to lead at The Edge.
August 12, 2012
I really liked this book because of the stories and examples that accompany the guiding principles. A lot of that might be my personal preference because I like context and stories, which is why I hated history class but like history shows on tv that tell peoples' stories. The principles aren't earth-shattering compared to other leadership books, but there are a few that have a different perspective like celebrating. The principles are also presented in a simple way and the stories/examples help you figure out how to apply them. Also, there is a quiz that is a bit enlightening, or was for me, to see which of the principles needs work in my behavior. I also had no knowledge of the expedition they used to illustrate the examples and that was also an interesting learning aspect of the book as well!
June 9, 2021
Based on Shackleton's Antarctic Expedition, I believe this book to be one of the best on leadership principles. The author Perkins lays down 10 principles Shackleton used to get everyone home safe, and applying them in the every day life examples. The distilled knowledge in this book I am still learning to appreciate. Anyone wanting to go into business should read this book.
January 13, 2016
This book illustrates methods of leadership at the Edge that can be applied todsy
In this book on leadership I observed the key notes of leadership that can be applied in both my military and civilian life. These nuggets of gold bring an old feel to modern problems. Focusing on not how to accomplish the mission rather what is the mission and what makes it great leaders.
In this book on leadership I observed the key notes of leadership that can be applied in both my military and civilian life. These nuggets of gold bring an old feel to modern problems. Focusing on not how to accomplish the mission rather what is the mission and what makes it great leaders.
December 4, 2007
10 things that keep Shackleton and his crew alive while trapped in the ice. Think leading your team cohesively is tough, image doing it while nearly freezing to death.
I still take a look at the 10 rules and try and apply them.
I still take a look at the 10 rules and try and apply them.
June 24, 2016
The book ties leadership principles back the story of Antarctic explorers. The detail and research on the explorers is very good.
September 14, 2017
Using the harrowing circumstances of the expedition of Earnest Shackleton, the author presents ten strategies that Shackleton used that can be helpful to leaders. These strategies are:
1) Never lose sight of the ultimate goal, and focus energy on short-term goals.
2) Set a personal example with visible, memorable symbols and behaviors.
3) Instill optimism and self-confidence, but stay grounded in reality.
4) Take care of yourself: Maintain your stamina and let go of guilt.
5) Reinforce the team message constantly-"We are one-we live or die together".
6) Minimize status differences and insist on courtesy and mutual respect.
7) Master conflict-Deal with anger in small dosses, engage dissidents, and avoid needless power struggles.
8) Find something to celebrate and laugh about.
9) Be willing to take the Big Risk.
10) Never give up. There's always another move.
There are many exercises in this book which will be helpful to those who want to be a more resilient leader.
I found a lot of value in this book. Research results from those who have taken the tests and exercises listed in the book would make this book stronger.
1) Never lose sight of the ultimate goal, and focus energy on short-term goals.
2) Set a personal example with visible, memorable symbols and behaviors.
3) Instill optimism and self-confidence, but stay grounded in reality.
4) Take care of yourself: Maintain your stamina and let go of guilt.
5) Reinforce the team message constantly-"We are one-we live or die together".
6) Minimize status differences and insist on courtesy and mutual respect.
7) Master conflict-Deal with anger in small dosses, engage dissidents, and avoid needless power struggles.
8) Find something to celebrate and laugh about.
9) Be willing to take the Big Risk.
10) Never give up. There's always another move.
There are many exercises in this book which will be helpful to those who want to be a more resilient leader.
I found a lot of value in this book. Research results from those who have taken the tests and exercises listed in the book would make this book stronger.
March 22, 2021
"Leading at The Edge" is a really creative concept — teaching valuable leadership lessons through the harrowing story of Ernest Shackleton's near-fatal Antarctic expedition from 1914-17.
The narrative of Shackleton's journey and remarkably keeping his men alive and together is enthralling. Against all odds, this group of nearly 30 men survived for years without a boat, with minimal shelter, limited food and sub-zero daily temperatures. That no one died (or committed an act of mutiny) is a testament to Shackleton's leadership skills.
Perkins does a nice job tying the adventure to modern-day business examples, like the Malden Mills fire in 1995, and by proxy, to our potential as leaders and people.
Overall, this is a nice read.
The narrative of Shackleton's journey and remarkably keeping his men alive and together is enthralling. Against all odds, this group of nearly 30 men survived for years without a boat, with minimal shelter, limited food and sub-zero daily temperatures. That no one died (or committed an act of mutiny) is a testament to Shackleton's leadership skills.
Perkins does a nice job tying the adventure to modern-day business examples, like the Malden Mills fire in 1995, and by proxy, to our potential as leaders and people.
Overall, this is a nice read.
April 5, 2018
Leading at The Edge is one of the better books on leadership out there. Shackleton's legendary Antarctic Odysee is a great example successful crisis management or "Leading at The Edge" as Dennis N.T. Perkins calls it.
Whoever has experienced challenging situations in a leadership role will definitely appreciate the book. While not very scientific, the value lies in the rich collection of practical examples of the leadership principles identified by the author.
Don't buy the book if you want a recount of the Shackleton Expedition, the Author makes very clear that this is a leadership book based on the Shackleton example, not a book on the expedition itself.
Whoever has experienced challenging situations in a leadership role will definitely appreciate the book. While not very scientific, the value lies in the rich collection of practical examples of the leadership principles identified by the author.
Don't buy the book if you want a recount of the Shackleton Expedition, the Author makes very clear that this is a leadership book based on the Shackleton example, not a book on the expedition itself.
March 28, 2018
Great Inspiration to Never Give Up
Perkins gives a detailed account of the incredible lengths that Shackelford went to in order to save his men. He had a lot of great qualities as a leader, there are a lot of lessons that can be learned from his experience. He wasn't perfect, and no other leader is, either. However, the context of adversity that marks an expedition like his puts everything they do under a microscope, which magnifies the flaws as well as the successes. This is a great study in great leadership.
Perkins gives a detailed account of the incredible lengths that Shackelford went to in order to save his men. He had a lot of great qualities as a leader, there are a lot of lessons that can be learned from his experience. He wasn't perfect, and no other leader is, either. However, the context of adversity that marks an expedition like his puts everything they do under a microscope, which magnifies the flaws as well as the successes. This is a great study in great leadership.
May 16, 2020
While a fascinating look into the famous Shackleton expedition, this is a weak attempt at a leadership book. Perkins draws heavily from brief anecdotal accounts from business and “the edge” situation and loosely ties it back to the ten leadership principles that form the book’s foundation. There is nothing special about the writing either, and reminds readers of a well written college essay. Perkins energy would have been better spent just to communicate all the details of the expedition, since it appears he has done significant research on it. That would have been a more interesting read.
October 5, 2022
Rating this work 4 stars as a book on leadership, but as a casual read it’s a 3. It would make a good study for college business course. Well-designed and a unique subject around which it circulates. I learned a lot about Shackleton and the Expedition, but I wish there was more on the main topic. Last third is business case studies that I really had little interest in so that part I pretty much just skimmed over. Recommended for those readers looking to improve on their leadership or crisis management skills.
January 1, 2023
Unfortunately, this book was recommended to me as a learning opportunity within my business. However, I found that much of the information presented was speculative at best and did have references to prove its value nor would give names of people or companies that would corroborate with the stories. It read like a self-help book that was used to mold an idea instead of true inspiration and methodology being taken from the story of the Endurance.
November 9, 2017
I enjoyed this take on leadership mixed with the history of polar explorers, among other stories. Educational, inspirational, and a good example of how values and leadership show up in all areas of a person's life, in all their roles, in who they are as a person. So...do MY values show up in ALL my behaviors in ALL my roles in life...? Do yours...? Great tool for reflection and growth.
January 4, 2018
Our management team read this book as a team. Each chapter was summarized by a different individual and how the lesson may apply to our teams. Lots of eye opening moments and best practices pulled from this book. It was excellent for this format, a group setting. Each chapter is a different lesson and amazing how they used Shackleton's experience as an example of how to use/apply each lesson.
August 14, 2019
I have long thought Shackleton's journey should be the subject of a leadership study and Perkins nailed it! He used illustrations from other areas in support also. Superb book. The stories really suck you in and then Perkins inserts in the teachable moment. I believe this book would be a great read for anyone on their leadership journey.
December 15, 2019
Libro con principios de básicos de liderazgo: planeacion, construcción de un equipo, definición de tareas, actividades disruptivas para sobrellevar el ambiente, ser empatico con los miembros del equipo, persistencia, determinación.
Sin.embargo, una parte importante de los consejos de liderazgo expresados en este libro pueden no aplicar dentro del cambio generacional en las organizaciones.
Sin.embargo, una parte importante de los consejos de liderazgo expresados en este libro pueden no aplicar dentro del cambio generacional en las organizaciones.
October 17, 2022
I thought this was about the Antarctic expedition but it turned out to be a book on leadership using Shackleton as a leadership example for business leaders. It was interesting to compare good and poor leadership I have directly experienced set against such an extraordinary example of leadership that had life-or-death consequences.
June 9, 2021
I appreciate the leadership tips in this book, but the corporate comparisons to the life threatening, courageous journey of Earnest Shackleton are comical and insulting to the true tenacity of his team. There are also very limited mentions of women leaders throughout the book.
May 11, 2019
As leadership books go this is just average. If you have an interest in Shackleton beyond his leadership skills read something else.
March 7, 2020
Shackleton’s story is amazing, but this book is a list of leadership characteristics that features a collection of stories about him and other leaders.
February 29, 2024
Las dos primeras partes estupendas! El resto se podria leer en diagonal, a no ser que busques ese tipo de ejemplos he historietas.
April 1, 2024
I like stories of great overcoming and how teams work together to overcome hardship. But this book is not in rank with my favorite books on leadership.
March 7, 2017
I read this for work (over several months) - with meetings to discuss chapters etc.
It's a good book for a work group/setting. Easily digestible with interesting stories/tales of leaders - focusing on Shackleton's failed Trans-Antarctic Expedition (I think: I honestly don't remember the exact quest: only that it failed - and this is a book talking about ... Leading at the Edge)
There's helpful resources as well: discussion questions at the end of each chapter (I've read the 2nd Edition). There's a skills survey at the end, etc. to help you assess where you need to go.
I found the last few chapters particularly helpful. Common sense.
Things like developing skills necessitates that you don't have them at the start: "a certain level of ignorance and incompetence." So, some of the headings in chapter 11: "Learn to Love the Plateau" (instant gratification need not apply). "Come to Terms with Fear":
I'm a person who's highly risk-averse - so that's always good advice for me.
Other headlines: "Find an environment that supports learning", "Practice the art of thriving" (work, relationships, physical health, renewal: all centered on "purpose").
Anyway: as you probably can see: a lot of common sense, obvious stuff once you read - but sometimes it's just good to focus attention on them.
It's a good book for a work group/setting. Easily digestible with interesting stories/tales of leaders - focusing on Shackleton's failed Trans-Antarctic Expedition (I think: I honestly don't remember the exact quest: only that it failed - and this is a book talking about ... Leading at the Edge)
There's helpful resources as well: discussion questions at the end of each chapter (I've read the 2nd Edition). There's a skills survey at the end, etc. to help you assess where you need to go.
I found the last few chapters particularly helpful. Common sense.
Things like developing skills necessitates that you don't have them at the start: "a certain level of ignorance and incompetence." So, some of the headings in chapter 11: "Learn to Love the Plateau" (instant gratification need not apply). "Come to Terms with Fear":
Sometimes fear is an obstacle that prevents us from accomplishing something... [achievement is possible while scared]...
Experiencing fear, therefore does not mean that you cannot accomplish something. It doesn't even mean that something is wrong. In many circumstances you are supposed to be afraid. It just means that while you are doing it, you are going to be afraid -perhaps even terrified. The more you accept and engage your fears, the less they will stand in the way. (180)
I'm a person who's highly risk-averse - so that's always good advice for me.
Other headlines: "Find an environment that supports learning", "Practice the art of thriving" (work, relationships, physical health, renewal: all centered on "purpose").
Anyway: as you probably can see: a lot of common sense, obvious stuff once you read - but sometimes it's just good to focus attention on them.
June 19, 2022
There are certainly lessons to be learned from Shackleton's leadership style, but the comparisons between Shackleton and modern business leaders seemed forced.
March 1, 2017
Livre très inspirant sur le leadership. La démarche de comparaison de l'auteur avec des situations extrêmes d'expéditions, met vraiment en valeur les 10 stratégies suggérées. Celles-ci restent tout à fait réalistes et en adéquation avec les enjeux actuels.
October 8, 2014
In August, I went to the Connecticut Library Association's Leadership Conference, at which our speaker was Jillian Murphy, one of the authors. She gave a really engaging talk based on this book. It was way better than I was expecting from a leadership conference. Out library director got several copies of the book, and gave one to me, so I went ahead and read it.
Like the talk, this book was way better than I was expecting from a management text. It's all built around the Shackleton expedition to the Antarctic, and derives ten leadership principles from Shackleton's actions and approach during the expedition. It's a very compelling story, which kept the book from getting dry or too enmired in business-speak. Using examples from the expedition also kept everything rooted in real, practical situations. The writing is also very straightforward, relatively free of buzzwords and jargon, and keeps everything moving. If you were to find yourself wanting or needing to read something on management and leadership, this book will do nicely.
Like the talk, this book was way better than I was expecting from a management text. It's all built around the Shackleton expedition to the Antarctic, and derives ten leadership principles from Shackleton's actions and approach during the expedition. It's a very compelling story, which kept the book from getting dry or too enmired in business-speak. Using examples from the expedition also kept everything rooted in real, practical situations. The writing is also very straightforward, relatively free of buzzwords and jargon, and keeps everything moving. If you were to find yourself wanting or needing to read something on management and leadership, this book will do nicely.
February 11, 2017
Just finished listening to this one. A good book on leadership. Not much in terms of groundbreaking or particularly new but the subject of study is so fascinating that it makes the book worth it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews