How To Build a (Truly) Purpose-Driven Team

From inspiration to resilience – how purpose helps team stick together

“Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in the event of success.”

Legend has it that Sir Ernest Shackleton used the text above in an ad to recruit his crew for the Endurance Expedition to Antarctica. Shackleton was determined to become the first person to reach the South Pole – the southernmost point on Earth.

The British explorer was about to face one of the most challenging missions in history. As a leader, he wanted to inspire – and warn – his crew about the challenges ahead.

The mission itself failed in historic proportions. What was intended to be a 120-day journey ended up being a quest for survival.

Five months into their journey, the Endurance crew found themselves trapped in thick, unyielding ice. It took an additional nine months for the ice to finally crush the ship, leaving everyone stranded.

The mission to the South Pole was done, but the team wasn’t.

Shackleton’s purpose-driven team…