One of my classes this semester is Practice of Institutional Leadership, which is a highly relevant topic for us. Back in Arizona dealing with colleagues was always more frustrating in the end than dealing with students.

For one of our projects we’re reading Alfred Lansing’s Endurance, which I’d never actually read before, and being quizzed on the strengths and weaknesses of Shackleton’s leadership. The book is extraordinarily compelling, and a fun read. A book I found even more compelling was Shakleton’s Boat Journey, written by Frank Worsley, the captain of the Endurance.  Perhaps Shakleton’s greatest strength was in picking good people, and reading Worsley’s words convinced me that when shit got epic, he could be in my corner any day. 

And finally, I found this fascinating slideshow, on a reenactment of Shakleton’s attempt on the pole, this morning.  Pretty neat.

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9320172&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1

M and I are headed to Yellowstone this evening, to spend a day skiing and hanging out. She’s been working 50 hours a week lately, and I’ve been swamped with school, so we’re over due to see each other for more than an hour or two at a stretch.