Strategies for leading a team like Shackleton

World Trade Center on the verge of collapse, September 11, 2001.

The anniversary of September 11th brings to mind a story a financial services executive told me twenty years ago.

He was running a morning meeting at the World Financial Center across from the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Seeing what was happening at the Trade Center, he said to his group, the elevators are going to be overwhelmed, we're going to get separated. When I get downstairs, I'm going to head for the ferry (that would take him home to New Jersey.)

The group did get separated but they met up at the end of the line for the ferry and eventually caught the last ferry to leave Manhattan that day.

Like Shackleton, this executive used timeless strategies to lead his team - he led by example - staying calm in the face of a tremendous crisis. He communicated effectively - offering a solution and explaining clearly and concisely a plan. He kept up morale by including everyone and by maintaining a positive attitude.

Great leadership in action.