If I had not some strength of will I would make a first class drunkard.
Ernest ShackletonRead
If you're a leader, a fellow that other fellows look to, you've got to keep going.
Interpretation
Leaders must persist and set an example for others to follow.
This quote by Ernest Shackleton highlights the responsibility of a leader to maintain resilience and determination. A leader is often looked up to by their peers, and it is essential for them to continuously forge ahead, inspiring confidence and motivation in those they lead, especially during challenging times.
In practice
In a motivational speech to aspiring managers, this quote can emphasize the importance of perseverance.
If I had not some strength of will I would make a first class drunkard.
Now my eyes are turned from the South to the North, and I want to lead one more Expedition. This will be the last... to the North Pole.
I have often marveled at the thin line which separates success from failure.
(Was he talking about a polar expedition, or marriage?) -Jorge 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.
After months of want and hunger, we suddenly found ourselves able to have meals fit for the gods, and with appetites the gods might have envied.
A man must shape himself to a new mark directly the old one goes to ground.
We've backed off in good faith to try and give you a chance to straighten this problem out. But I am going to beg with you for a minute. I'm going to plead with you, do not cross us. Because if you do, the survivors will write about what we do here for 10,000 years.
By blood a king, in heart a clown.
If all of you had voted the other way - there's about 5500 of you here tonight - I would not be the President of the United States.
Let vice and immorality of every kind be discouraged as much as possible in your brigade; and, as a chaplain is allowed to each regiment, see that the men regularly attend during worship. Gaming of every kind is expressly forbidden, as being the foundation of evil, and the cause of many a brave and gallant officer's and soldier's ruin.
Be an example to your men, in your duty and in private life. Never spare yourself, and let the troops see that you don't in your endurance of fatigue and privation. Always be tactful and well-mannered and teach your subordinates to do the same. Avoid excessive sharpness or harshness of voice, which usually indicates the man who has shortcomings of his own to hide.
We need to stop telling [women], "Get a mentor and you will excel." Instead, we need to tell them, "Excel and you will get a mentor.
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