Recruiting Courage

"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages. Bitter cold. Long months of complete darkness. Constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success."

This ad in the Times of London has been widely attributed to Ernest Shackleton, but no one has found an original copy. However, we do know that that Shackleton received 5000 applications (including 3 women) in response to a letter he wrote to The Times on December 29, 1913 when looking for crew for the Endurance voyage.  His reputation as an Antartic explorer was already established and there was no shortage of people who wanted to join him. His ship was aptly named, probably taken from his family motto, "By endurance we conquer."

His interview style was instinctive.  He beleived that character and temperament were just as important as technical knowledge, and asked an applicant for the position of ship physician if he could sing. If you get a chance, read his biography, or one of the management and leadership texts that outline the expeditions.
 
"Optimism is true moral courage."

~Ernest Shackleton

Into the Cold

My nephew Michael's decision to work in the extreme north has me thinking about weather and hardship.   He is still enroute, having experienced travel delays already, but has made it as far as Iqaluit.  It is dark and 40 below, and he still has two more flights before he gets to his new home. 

Although it took place at the complete opposite end of the world, Ernest Shakelton's expedition to the South Pole is a classic lesson in leadership.  He went into unknown areas, in extreme and heartbreaking conditions and was unable to reach his initial goals. However, he adapted, he revised his plans, he knew the strengths and weakness of his staff and made appropriate assignments.  He knew the importance of morale and teamwork.  Everyone survived incredible hardship and isolation, including more than a year of being stranded on ice.  He was such a remarkable leader that some even signed on for another expedition later.

“Difficulties are just things to overcome, after all.”

~Ernest Shackleton quote

Waves of Change.

I started a sample google sites page to see how easy it might be for my clients who are looking for a way to increase their web presence or to have an e-portfolio. 

I chose a template with the image of a wave, as think it represents both change and the challenge of unemployment.

Our lives move along smoothly like the ocean gravitates to the shore, when suddenly changes in elevation, reefs or rocks interrupt the momentum. Waves swell, brake and break. Some people get caught in the undertow, some tumble for a while but then skim along the barrel, and some catch the wave and ride it in.


Unemployment is the same. If you can adapt and follow the flow, it can be exciting. If you try to stay where you are, it can crush you.

The internet is growing and changing so fast, it can’t be plotted and charted as if it was something stable. Within the water analogy, it is the rapids – boiling with energy, changing direction, swirling, constantly moving and creating energy.

Today, you need to be not only computer literate, but comfortable with the online interactive world and able to navigate those rapids. I will point out some tools and approaches that can help you stay afloat.

"The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn."


~ Alvin Toffler (Author of The Third Wave)

Go North Young Man

One of my nephews had a huge decision recently. Follow his heart and take a challenging job with lots of opportunity to learn but in an isolated, brutally cold location, or accept an entry level position in the city where he owns a home and has begun to establish roots? His choice would also affect his wife and 2 year old son.  His mother was quite distressed by the thought of not seeing them for an extended period of time, and by the potential hardships of remote life.

The position, Canada's most northernly social worker, had been vacant to for two years.  Even though he is a new graduate, he felt that he would be contributing more, and learning more, so off they go.  A huge factor in the decision was the fact that he had access to technology for support from his supervisor in another remote northern community and would be able to consult with her. 

He will be living in Resolute, with an average year round temperature of minus 16!!  It will take 3 days of travel to get there, all by air.  I will be following his blog with interest.

"Talents are common, everyone has them - but rare is the courage to follow our talents where they lead."

~ Anon