Take Control Of Your Life with this Crucial Skill

In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, the ability to take ownership in your life and work can make all the difference. It’s about accepting responsibility for your actions, decisions, and outcomes, rather than shifting blame onto others. It is a mindset that empowers us to proactively solve problems, learn from failures, and achieve goals. Ownership has played a huge role in the success of The Tempest Two to date, and will continue to do so with whatever we do next. Let’s take a look at the extreme ownership displayed by Shackleton and his crew during the infamous 1914 South Georgia Expedition.

Learning from Shackleton:

One of the most remarkable examples of ownership comes from Sir Ernest Shackleton's ill-fated 1914-1917 Antarctic expedition. Shackleton and his crew of 27 men set out to cross the continent on the Endurance. Consistently encountering unforeseen challenges, until eventually, their ship was crushed, leaving them stranded on the frozen continent.

What makes Shackleton's story a testament to ownership is his unwavering commitment to the well-being of his crew. Instead of playing the blame game or succumbing to despair, Shackleton took responsibility for their survival. He realised that their success depended on his leadership and the collective ownership of everyone on the expedition.

1. Accountability: Shackleton accepted responsibility for the decisions he made, including the choice to sail into the treacherous Weddell Sea. He didn't blame external factors but took accountability for his actions.

2. Resourcefulness: When the Endurance (their vessel) was lost, Shackleton didn't dwell on the past or lament his misfortune. He focused on what he could control—the survival of his crew. This resourcefulness allowed him to lead the team effectively.

3. Adaptability: Shackleton displayed insane levels adaptability in the face of adversity. He changed his mission from exploration to rescue and made difficult decisions, like the now famous decision to embark on a perilous open-boat journey to seek help from a whaling station.

4. Inspiration: Shackleton's unwavering determination and optimism served as a source of inspiration for his crew. By leading with a great sense of personal ownership, he motivated his team to endure unimaginable hardships.

Ultimately, Shackleton and his men defied the odds and survived. Every member of the expedition played a vital role, from crew members to scientists, each taking responsibility for their tasks, safety, and the success of the mission.

What can we learn from this?

Shackleton's story serves as a powerful metaphor for the importance of ownership in our own lives and workplaces. When we take ownership of our actions and decisions, we can begin to see the following benefits:

1. Empowerment: Ownership empowers us to take control of our circumstances and not be at the mercy of external forces. It allows us to make proactive choices and take calculated risks.

2. Problem-Solving: Instead of dwelling on problems or assigning blame, ownership encourages us to focus on finding solutions. It fosters a problem-solving mindset that leads to innovation and progress.

3. Resilience: Owning up to our failures and setbacks is a critical part of growth. When we take ownership of our mistakes, we learn from them and become more resilient in the face of future challenges.

4. Leadership: Whether in our personal lives or at work, taking ownership sets an example for others. It inspires trust, fosters collaboration, and encourages a culture of accountability.

Taking ownership is by no means easy, but it is undeniably important for navigating the complexities of life and work. Shackleton's heroic expedition illustrates the profound impact of ownership in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. By adopting this mindset, we empower ourselves to be leaders in our own lives, tackle challenges head-on, and shape our destinies.

So, instead of playing the blame game, next time, embrace ownership and accountability and see what unfolds.