Chapter 7: Conflict

Conflict. Chapter 7 provided us with examples of how Shackleton dealt with conflicts and anger during the expedition. Taking into consideration that the expedition lasted for about two years, it is quite fascinating to know that Shackleton managed his anger and conflict among the crew members. I would so not have been able to do so. I argue and fight over everything with friends and family. From the smallest things: like fighting for the remote controller, to major decisions: like whether we should move to a new house. But, obviously, these conflicts can be handled with no problem. In the end, they don't really have any effects on our lives. However, on the other hand, Shackleton's crew members were fighting for their lives. Whether it was a biscuit or a cup of hot milk, everything was so special and precious that disputes and conflicts could have often occurred. But unlike the crew members of Karluk, no one was killed.
What amazes me, however, is not how Shackleton was good at handling such conflicts. I have seen and encountered leaders who are good at doing away with conflicts and arguments. But never have I seen someone do the same under extreme conditions. Conditions where a single decision could lead to someone's death... Imagine being on a rocking ship with icy cold water coming in every so often  for two years. Then imagine you are starving and freezing cold. Would you be able to stay calm and solve conflicts amongst your followers? Equally share the amount of food you have left instead of taking bigger portions because you are the leader? I don't think normal people(or even leaders) would be able to do what Shackleton did. Shackleton managed to handle the conflicts and even decrease them in the long term. He always managed to stay calm whatever the situation was and dealt with every problem the best as he could.

The Moose Metaphor. Before reading this chapter, I was flipping through it, and I saw what I thought was like a picture of a deer. I wasn't quite sure what the author was up to, and to be honest, I don't really understand why he used the metaphor of the moose, even now that I've read the entire chapter. And I'm not questioning how he should have chosen some other animal. I just personally don't think the moose metaphor is that easy to understand nor easy to replace it in real-life situations... But it's funny because the author says that it seems to be working... Is there something wrong with me? Maybe I should come up with a better metaphor! LOL!