Teamwork is the key to success. From what I've read so far, leadership revolves around teamwork, and having people in unity.
Now, in this chapter 'group identity' seemed to be key in the success of teamwork. However, I don't really think that that is ALL that caused Shackleton's team to be so close to each other, compared to the 'team' of individuals who climbed mount Everest. Of course, being together as 'one' (knowing that they were 'all in the project as one') was a big factor in Shackleton's team, but there must be more than that, so I considered 2 possible reasons:
1. There was a clear 'leader' in Shackleton's group.
There are times when we need a leader. When there is no clear leader, chaos will only lead to further chaos. From what I could understand about the passage about Mt. Everest was that there wasn't exactly a clear leader who all of the climbers had a 'connection' too. In contrast to this, Shackleton had interviewed each one of his crew, and tried to create a bond between him and the crew. Because this existed, the bond between each of the crew members must have been a smoother process.
2. Shackleton's group wasn't so diverse in nationality.
I don't exactly have any proof, but from what I know, mountain climbing, especially the Everest is pretty popular globally, and people from everywhere will go. Thus communication is hard to start with. Shackleton, however, did not have this basic problem, so there was a base for him to work off.
Thus, I believe that communication, and Leadership is what is necessary for a true 'team' to be formed.
Good thoughts here. Another thing Shackleton had going for him was that he was already a famous explorer who had been knighted by the Queen of England, so he was a Sir Ernest Shackleton. Further, he had absolute power. Should any of the men caused too much trouble to the extent that it could have been considered mutinous, it was within his rights to shoot them.
ReplyDeleteHi Johnny,
ReplyDeleteWe haven't heard from you for awhile blogwise, but I wish to thank you for this earlier work as you were doing very well.
I know that being the diligent student type may not be your thing, but you strike me otherwise as a bright and interesting person, and I think you will do well in life.
I wish you the very best in all your future endeavors, and hope it involves leadership so you can apply some of what you have learned in this class.
Ken