While this game was all 'make-believe' it taught the importance of trying to do the greatest good for the greatest amount of people. In his book, Leading at the Edge by Dennis Perkins, I've been sharing his leadership strategies that we learn from Ernest Shackleton. His strategy for success #3: Instill optimism and self-confidence but stay grounded in reality.

Shackleton was losing the lifeblood of their expedition—their transportation to and from the ice pack, and back to civilization. Their ship, the Endeavor, was trapped in the sea ice and because of tons of pressure, was about to be destroyed. The order was soon given to abandon ship and seek refuge in the life rafts to be used as sleds and ultimately, life rafts, as they struggled to reach a desolate island to wait for further rescue. Ernest Shackleton was an optimist; in fact the captain of the ship Endurance said this about him,

"He almost insisted upon cheeriness and optimism; in fact his attitude was, "you've damn well got to be optimistic."

Shackleton had the ability to portray stoic decision making, like his assessment of the ship caught in the ice pack, as well as being optimistic about their chances of success in getting every crew member to civilization alive. Their mission was accomplished, not as planned, but as they adapted to changing conditions, Shackleton always kept his attitude positive and optimistic, but grounded in reality.

So the question arises, "ARE YOU AN OPTIMIST?" If someone from out of town approached you and asked if this was a good place to live, would your reply make them want to live here as well, or would you complain about something? As business owners, and employees, we owe it to our company's, our neighbors, and each other to be optimistic about this Mini-Cassia area. And if you were the one person that a potential new business came in contact with, would they see you as an optimistic ambassador for the area, or a reason to take their business concerns elsewhere with a better outlook? Do you love the Snake River that is so close for recreation as much as I do? Do you love the mountains for their skiing, biking, or fishing? Do you enjoy seeing the beauties of nature, City of Rocks and Castle Rocks? Do you love the people in this area that are so kind and willing to help those in need? I think it safe to say that we'd all be best served if we lived the attitude of Shackleton: "you've damn well got to be optimistic!"--as our success in this region depends on how well we portray what a friendly and beautiful part of the world in which we are blessed to live.