Week3 Symbolism and Personal Example

Set a personal example with visible, memorable, symbols, and behaviors.

Before I read this chapter, I simply had one question. What do “visible symbols” mean according to good leadership? My question has solved by chapter, but discussion in the class also helped me to understand the meaning of “visible symbols.

Importance of leader’s presence

“...leaders need to be aware that their personal presence is a uni1ue source of energy and power.”(p30)

Even though Endurance faced such a tragedy of losing a first purpose of the journey, it seems that crew’s motivation did not lose completely. This is because active presence of Shackleton kept crew’s motivation towards new shared goal, “going home”. He showed sincerity by always working hard and at the front of the ship, and acted symbolically throwing gold sovereigns in front of crew. These vivid and memorable symbols made trust that kept crew’s motivation high as well as solidarity. In the class discussion, we talked about any example of visible symbols. Our examples were coming early and leaving late, and always making sure people’s condition and situation. We do not normally face such a severe situation like Endurance, but we can apply these visible symbols when we play any important role.

How to deliver the good speech

“…Shackleton used precisely the right words and tone.”

It is really impressive that Shackleton’s speech made crew realized that crew themselves could influence their own survival and that of the expedition.

In the chapter, some crew mentioned the effectiveness of Shackleton’s speech during the journey. I could see crew of Endurance were able to continue to put their best effort, do the hard work, and keep loyal cooperation because of Shackleton’s balanced speech of realistic look and reassurance. Though the importance of speech that “delivered from the heart” is understandable, I think it contains controversial effects. For example, if you deliver the speech from your heart, but it is too emotional or too stimulating for listener, a result of the speech will look bad. Therefore, it is important for leaders to evaluate a situation as well as condition of people for making good balanced speech that will improve.