Explorer Ernest Henry Shackleton

Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton was born in 1874, the son of Quaker Abraham Shackleton. A child of privilege, Shackleton had a dream that he would one day travel to a "region of ice and snow" until he came to "one of the poles of the earth," (Sir, 2004, p. 1). This dream kept Shackleton from pursuing a career in medicine. Instead, he hope to go to sea, a desire his father gladly approved of despite his son being only fourteen years of age. As Shackleton related regarding his father's approval, "My father thought to cure me of my predilection for the sea by letting me go in the most primitive manner possible as a �boy' on board a sailing ship at a shilling a month," (Endurance, 2004, 1). Far from curing Shackleton, the experience fueled his desire to explore the furthermost regions of the world. Nevertheless, Shackleton had no idea that a much fiercer and more primitive experience lie in wait for him.

Henry Shackleton volunteered for Scott's National Antarctic Expedition to the South Pole in 1901, but he took ill on the journey and had to return home. Shackleton was determined to mount his own successful expedition and realized this dream as commander of the Nimrod Expedition of 1907-1909, (Sir, 2004, p. 1). On the journey, Shackleton and his crew climbed Mount Erebus and contributed to scientific discovery. They came within 100 mile of the South Pole. Dwindling supplies forced Shackleton to abandon the mission, one of the most difficult decisions of h

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ackleton, this helped establish a unit that could still function should any of his party falter," (p. 25). Another of Shackleton's leadership skills was his keen ability to communicate with others in ways that inspired them and provided clear and concise expectations. Shackleton was legendary for telling it like it was, often being direct but honest with his crew members. Shackleton was also adept at sharing the work and the pleasure with his crew members. When the spirit of his crew was low, he would often engage them in games like football or ice hockey. Shackleton was often an inspiration for his men. He was a role model of attitude, perseverance, and facing challenges in the worst of conditions. His attitude and optimism were infectious and many crewmen longed to be aboard one of Shackleton's expeditions. As Spellman (2003) says of his optimism, "A series of life-threatening problems plagued the expedition, ranging from injuries and running out of food, to horrific weather conditions and having to kill their accompanying ponies. Shackleton is reported to have told his men, �Difficulties are just things to overcome, after all,'" (p. 25). Many leaders often feel isolated or lonely due to their position of authority, bu

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