Now Is Not The Time To Cry Over Spilt Milk

In dire conditions, it is easy for team relationships to deteriorate. Add in the challenge of remote locations and enforced distancing, and it is no surprise that many teams are struggling to align and re-establish past connections.

It is again referencing the findings of the remarkable leadership skills of Ernest Shackleton; we see ways to unite our teams.

Shackleton's crew had a remarkable sense of unity in the most horrific conditions. Crew members often performed acts of caring and self-sacrifice for each other, showing a concern that rarely occurred in accounts of other expeditions studied.

For example, after a wet, sleepless night, an argument broke out among four crew members. Caught in the middle, Greenstreet, the First Officer, spilled his tiny ration of powdered milk. They were on the verge of starvation, and it was a tragic moment.

The loss was so monumental that Greenstreet seemed almost at the point of weeping. Without speaking, each crew member reached over and poured some of their milk into Greenstreet's mug.

They finished in silence. Emulating the caring behavior that Shackleton had modelled, the bonds of teamwork held in the face of death and starvation.

A poignant example, but it reminds us that as leaders, we must not only lead by example but be the role models for a strong positive culture. Starting with solid values that shape your organization's operations and reinforcing your dedication to the well-being of every individual is essential.

To create an authentic shift in an organization's behavior, leaders can't be the gatekeepers. By its very nature, culture requires a level of commitment from everyone. That means advocating for your teams, seeking feedback from your reports, and addressing needs in a timely manner. One of the most significant barriers to success is treating culture as a mandate instead of a dialogue that builds mutual trust.