Wanted…
One of the most famous of all recruitment ads is the one from Ernest Shackleton:
Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success
Shackleton’s hazardous journey was his goal to reach Antarctica and walk across it. The expedition went disastrously wrong when their boat became stuck in ice and was eventually destroyed, the crew surviving by piling into dinghies and reaching Elephant Island, a deserted island away from any shipping routes.
On my wall hangs a picture from the expedition’s photographer, Frank Hurley. It’s the moment when Shackleton sets off in the dinghy James Caird, sailing by dead reckoning across one of the most dangerous stretches of ocean in the world. His goal, ultimately successful, is to find South Georgia Island and to launch a rescue mission for the men left on Elephant Island.
It’s truly one of the most inspiring stories of all time … and it started with a call to Great Work.
As you think about the work that you’re doing right now … how many people would follow you into months of complete darkness?
By the way, his descendents are recreating the expedition. They’re looking for a fifth and final member to join the expedition. Apparently, you need to have a bunch of good jokes.
