A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. This old adage holds true for teams and organizations. Ensure that you make people your strongest link.
Consider the story of Perce Blackborow, a stowaway on Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated expedition that was stranded for two years in the Antarctic. The stowaway had much against him. At eighteen years old, he was inexperienced, definitely the weakest link. but ultimately, he became a productive member of the crew and survived the ordeal. During their first encounter, an annoyed Shackleton said to the young Welshman, “Do you know that on these expeditions we often get very hungry, and if there is a stowaway available he is the first to be eaten?”
Blackborow replied, “They’d get a lot more meat off you, sir.”
Shackleton reputedly hid a grin and instructed one of the crew to “Introduce him to the cook first.”
Make People Your Strongest Link
Blackborow might have held the crew back, but he had fortitude and desire, and under Shackleton’s strong, supportive leadership he rose to the challenge. The boy who was the weakest link became an inspiration for others. If he could survive so could others.
People are your strongest link in the profit chain; a mediocre company can create strong profit with strong people.
Consider how Shackleton demonstrated leadership traits that contributed to building his team:
Setting Clear Expectations
Threatening to eat the stowaway first was, of course, a joke; but, the interaction served to spell out that Blackborow needed to follow directions or there would be consequences.
Accepting Mistakes and Looking for Solutions
Shackleton accepted the mistake of having a stowaway and chose to deal with the situation in a positive manner.
Developing People
He demonstrated willingness to accept that not everyone comes with equal skills then took time to focus on and develop people. Eventually Blackborow became a valued steward.
Using Humour
Shackleton used humour to diffuse a difficult situation.
Walking the Talk
His policy was no stowaways, however once it happened, he had to deal with it and so he chose Coaching for Success versus Policing for Failure.
Caring
Shackleton was a firm and focused leader who showed empathy and caring to his crew. His caring included accountability; he expected people to take responsibility for their actions.
Dealing with Performance Issues in a Timely Manner
Shackleton addressed the issue as soon as it surfaced. The best time to deal with issues is as soon as possible after they happen.
Consider whether negative perceptions (yours or others) about your leadership traits signal a need for change. If you are not sure how you are perceived, then consider a 360 survey.
People are the strongest link in your profit chain. Focus on people and profit will follow.