Don’t Forget the Banjo: Leading Through Crisis
The survival of Ernest Shackleton’s crew is the greatest survival saga in human history.
- AUGUST 8, 1914—28 men depart for Antarctica.
- JANUARY 18, 1915—Their ship, the Endurance, is caught in pack ice.
- NOVEMBER 21, 1915—The ship sinks.
- AUGUST 30, 1916—The crew is rescued.
The survival of all 28 men is a tribute to the human spirit and Ernest Shackleton leading through crisis.
Leading Through Crisis
#1 Eliminate Happy Talk
Optimism isn’t pretending. It’s constructive explaining.
“Everything’s fine” insults common sense when the ship is sinking. Constructive explaining accepts reality and adapts.
Pessimists say, “Why bother?” Optimists believe hard work makes a difference.
Optimists act. Happy talk prolongs catastrophe.
#2 Reduce Weight
Let go of what doesn’t matter.
- Stop polishing the brass.
- Trim the red tape.
- Protect work that contributes to survival.
Let go of wishful thinking. Imagine a crew watching their ship sink. Don’t waste energy pining for a glorious past. Wishing doesn’t change things.
Simplify by focusing on essentials when leading through crisis.
#3 Don’t Forget the Banjo
Morale is survival gear during crisis.
People need more than direction. They need music – fun and connection.
The crew were instructed to leave personal items behind. But Shackleton allowed one extravagance. He told the expedition’s meteorologist, Dr. Leonard Hussey, to bring his banjo.
Morale makes successes seem bigger and failure less enduring.
Cut the fluff, face reality, and don’t forget the banjo when leading through crisis.
When leading through crisis, morale is the line between resolution and collapse.
What do leaders forget when leading through crisis?
What are some key factors to success when leading through crisis?
Leadership Practices from two years of Survival in the Antarctic you can use Today
3 bonus tips from Ernest Shackleton’s example:
- Keep routines, even in chaos.
- Listen closely to the crew.
- Make tough decisions quickly.
Image source for Dr. Leonard Hussey’s banjo: Royal Museums Greenwich
The Endurance was found on March 5, 2022.
Each crisis is unique, bringing its own set of challenges and opportunities. The wildfires in Los Angeles were nothing like the ordeal faced by Shackleton and his crew stranded in Antarctica. Recognizing the emotional and physical toll of crisis situations, Shackleton organized games and contests to lift morale and relieve boredom.
In crises, leaders often forget that plans and priorities must be fluid — and that those closest to the action need the authority to adjust as conditions change. It’s also essential to give people regular opportunities to rest, regroup, and recharge. Working through a long-term crisis is a marathon, not a sprint.
You remind me about being flexible. They set out pushing lifeboats to open water after The Endurance sank. It was too exhausting. He abandoned that plan and decided to camp on the ice until it drifted north and broke up.
The Shackleton story was one of the case studies I used in my leadership course. Great story with many leadership lessons as you have pointed out.
Shackleton’s life is definitely an interesting study. He died doing something he loved.
Great post! Thanks for the reminders of the importance of leadership to pull everyone together and through!
Thanks Philip. Sometimes we are so busy getting things done we forget about fueling people’s energy.
Fred Shuttlesworth is another. He led civil rights protesters. He himself suffered attacks and wounds, his house was bombed. And the civil rights movement had their songs. They marched to songs, they sat in jail and sang. Moral is so key. And Shackleton always ate last if I remember. Quite a leader.
Thanks, Pete. As I read your comment I thought about the negro spirituals that emerged out of slavery. Music sustains.