A Triumphant Failure

By: Chad Robert Stewart

The following two stories are from C. R. Stewart's new bestselling book, The Five Great Principles for Life, now available at Amazon and leading bookstores across the nation.

Word Count: 1098 words
Time to Read: 4-5 minutes

One of the greatest narratives ever recorded was about Sir Ernest Shackleton's quest to conquer the South Pole. Even to this day, his incredible courage during the worst of circumstances is hard to fathom. He embodies the true idea of leadership, taking responsibility for others and doing whatever is necessary for their safety and preservation. His real story comes alive with the drastic failure of his 1914 expedition.

Born in Ireland in 1875, Ernest Shackleton was destined for greatness. Bored with education, he left school at age sixteen and joined the Merchant Marines. By twenty-three, he was certified as a Master Mariner, qualifying him to command a British ship anywhere in the world. He set out on a few arctic voyages and soon earned the respect and popularity of other sailors as a confident and strong leader. In 1907 Shackleton achieved early success for marching the farthest South latitude from the South Pole and was knighted by Edward VII. Yet Shackleton had loftier ambitious. Determined to make his mark in history, he turned his attention to the one remaining conquest—crossing the southern arctic continent from sea to sea, approximately 1800-miles.

After carefully planning journey and recruiting the best men available, he set out for glory in 1914. On December 5th, he sailed his ship the Endurance from South Georgia Island toward Vahsel Bay, Antarctic; the crew were confident and the mood was electric. Working together as a unified team, each man felt they were a part of something extraordinary. But as the days passed, the Endurance soon encountered sea ice. By January 19th, the ship became frozen in an ice flow and drifted northward hundreds of miles off course. Although Shackleton hoped to wait until spring and sail back to Vahsel Bay, the thawing of the ice started crushing the ship. The men quickly removed most of the supplies and the Endurance sank on November 21st. Faced with the tragic reality that his conquest was over, he immediately changed his plans. Shackleton was no longer focused on the fame of exploration; he was now determined to get every man home alive.

This is great example of leadership in action: adapting quickly and remaining flexible when circumstances suddenly change. How often we have plans that take a sudden turn for the worst; however, it is not always the severity of the incident, but how we manage the event. Charles Swindoll wrote, "I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it." Although the concept of leadership often denotes someone in the position of great power or authority, we all have the capacity to lead—character driven people who take control of situations and manage events for the benefit of others. Whether it is a company or family, true leadership is an essential quality in everyone. Shackleton understood this as he watched his dreams literally sink into the ocean.

Shackleton rallied the crew's spirits and kept them busy with productive activities—his goal was to encourage their moral and keep them focused. Their hope was that the ice would drift toward Paulet Island, where they could replenish supplies and be rescued. They marched hundreds of miles, shifting from one ice flow to another, but failed to reach the island. After four long and punishing months, the ice began to break up, forcing Shackleton's crew into their three small life boats. Exhausted, they sailed for five strenuous days and finally landed on Elephant Island, an inhospitable and desolate outcrop in the middle of nowhere. Far from any shipping routes or help, Shackleton knew that time was against them. While he planned his next move, he organized the men and gave them responsibilities, such as building shelter and gathering whatever sparse food they could. Shackleton knew their only option was for a few men to somehow reach South Georgia Island, over 800 miles away. With the harsh Antarctic winter approaching, he had to act fast.

Shackleton understood the importance of his position and never took advantage of it. He lead by example and remained calm in the heat of the moment; stayed focused when others panicked; had the courage to make difficult decisions and stand behind them; was willing to make mistakes yet move forward; brought out the best in others; stayed optimistic while solving problems; and did not seek self glory to cultivate his own selfish ambitions, but put others before himself. Harold S. Geneen wrote, "Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in action."

Using the largest lifeboat (only twenty-two feet long) and adding a few improvements, such as raising the sides and strengthening the keel, Shackleton carefully planned for the trip. He stocked three weeks of supplies and picked his five best men for the impossible voyage, then launched on April 24th to battle one of the most dangerous oceans in the world. The thirty foot high swells and freezing hurricane conditions only added to their challenge. Their bodies were soon drenched and skin raw. Yet after fifteen horrifying days, they remarkably landed on South Georgia Island; however, it was on the wrong side. Undaunted, Shackleton knew they needed to attempt a land crossing and reach the sailing port on the north side—something no one had ever accomplished before. Shackleton traveled with two other companions up the mountainous cliffs and through the bitter snow. After thirty-six straight hours, the men remarkably reached the whaling station at Stromness. Desperate to save the rest of his men, he immediately sailed out of the port, but his first three attempts were blocked by sea ice. Finally three anxious months later, on August 30th, 1917, Shackleton reached Elephant Island and quickly evacuated all twenty-two men. He kept his word. He saved the life of every man and got them home safely. Although it was not the victory he was looking for, Shackleton's name is etched in history for his overwhelming determination and successful leadership.

This heroic story embodies the qualities of a true leader—someone who appreciates the privilege of position and never takes advantage of it; never takes others for granted or uses people for their own gain. Shackleton knew the importance of treating everyone with respect and bringing out their best. He lived life with passion and connected to a larger vision than himself—creating a purpose that pulled everyone else forward. He remained calm, never allowing failure or fear to overtake him. Whether building a company, playing a sport, working with people, or being responsible for a family, we all have the capacity to lead.

Wolf Management Consultants is excited to announce Chad Robert Stewart's new and popular book The Five Great Principles for Life, published by Pelican. Just released nationally, it's quickly becoming another bestseller. The feedback from academics, business leaders & people across the nation has been phenomenal:


Now more than ever, people need a book with substance and practical concepts that will lead them into action. Written in a straightforward style, The Five Great Principles for Life deals with complex issues in a simple way and explores such subjects as: The Art of Discipline; Leading Others; The Power of Communication; The Significance of Passion; Preparing for Change; Flexibility & Adaptability; and Work/Life Balance. Each chapter is followed by a compelling true story that engages the readers and solidifies the topic. The book is now available at Amazon and leading bookstores across the nation.