"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
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