Strategy 6: Minimize status differences and insist on courtesy and mutual respect.
In this chapter, the author showed the importance of reinforcing the team message. The content of this chapter looked similar to that of Chapter 5 at first, but I found that the method appeared on this chapter is the foundation of the strategies 5. That is to say, it is important to achieve strategy 6 before strategy 5, because courtesy and mutual respect is the key factor to spread and make the crews believe this message: "We are the one, we live or die together."
...Minimize Status Differences and Special Privileges
The author compares Shackleton to Robert Scott, and emphasizes that Shackleton created fair environment during his journey. As the result, he succeeded in creating a sense of unity within the team. For example, Shackleton refused to get special privileges and he could admit he was wrong. This behavior created the environment that "each person experienced a basic sense of respect regardless of his or her role in the organization".
...Insist on Mutual Respect and Courtesy
Shackleton created an environment that crews helped other members by showing his attitude of self-sacrifice. Crews saw his behavior toward them, and influenced by the action. Also, crews never forgot the heart of courtesy even in a harsh environment. That means they always said "Thank you" or "excuse me" with their words.
Comment:
What I learn from this chapter is that we have to follow the basic method of communication. The behavior of Shackleton is very simple. For instance, he just say "Thank you." or try to respect everyone on the ship. It reminds me of the education in elementary school... Since we cannot understand what is relationship or how to maintain the bond at that time, the teacher always stresses that "respect others" or "say Thank you", right? As we grow up, we may forget the fundamental principle of human relationship, because adults tend to focus on worthless things, such as a perception of "upper class". I think we should change our minds, and see other people as just human beings (it doesn't matter how they are rich/poor, their looks, their races, their beliefs, their academic backgrounds etc.)
Hi Shiori,
返信削除Thanks for the very thoughtful post. I think you are spot on with the point you are making here, that it is all about how you treat others. I like too the way you described the relationship of the ideas in Ch. 5 laying the groundwork for Ch. 6. Good stuff.