"All that Glitters is Not Gold!" (Chapter 2)

     What do you imagine when you hear the sentence "Set a personal example with visible, memorable symbols and behaviors" (xxiii)? When I first saw this sentence... My honest reaction was "What!?" or more like "Huh?" with a puzzled look on my face. I took this as kind of like serving as a role model by setting yourself a goal or leaving indelible impression on others by staying bold and confident. It took me a while to get "Symbolism and Personal Example" right. I thought "Set a personal example with visible, memorable symbols and behaviors" meant setting personal examples for yourself. However, it actually meant conveying message for others. In the book there were times when Shackleton intended to convey a message to his men. 

First..."When First Officer Lionel Greenstreet fouled the propeller while attempting to maneuver Endurance" (p.39).

Shackleton helped First Officer Lionel Greenstreet fix the damage and never mentioned about the incident again.

Second..."When Endurance was crushed by the ice..." (p.39).

Shackleton knew it was crucial to get rid of every unnecessary item in order to accomplish a successful sledge march to the ocean. So he threw away this

this

and this!

     I realized that there is more than just telling people what to do. Some people do not like to be told what to do and they may prefer a different approach - through dramatizing "the challenge with visible, memorable symbols and behaviors" (p.40)!