LD 2-12

5/05

Abstract

Into the Unknown: Leadership Lessons from

Lewis and Clark’s Daring Westward Expedition

Prepared by: Sue Williams Renée Daugherty

Family Policy and Leadership and Educational Methods

Leadership Development 333 HES

333 HES Cooperative Extension Service

Cooperative Extension Stillwater, OK 74078

Stillwater, OK 74078 (405) 744-6231

(405) 744-6282

Rilla, Ellie. Fall/Winter 2004). Book review: Into the unknown – Leadership lessons from Lewis and Clark’s daring westward expedition. The Leadership Journey, 2-3.

[A review of the following book: Uldrich, J. (2004). Into the unknown: Leadership lessons from Lewis and Clark’s daring westward expedition. New York: Amacom Books.]

Uldrich points out how the story of the Corps of Discovery (47 men and 1 woman in 1804) is about cooperation and teamwork - ingredients that made it possible for their exploration to have been so successful. He describes 10 leadership principles that he believes embody the team’s trials and triumphs that still hold true for today’s leader.

Passionate Purpose. This principle describes how a higher calling can be the ultimate motivator for success. Growing up during the American Enlightenment, Lewis was enthralled by Jefferson’s dream of a united nation and the exploration of its cultural, mineral and commercial assets. Their commitment to a higher calling helped focus their intentions and decisions towards completion of this huge undertaking.

Productive Partnering. This is the principle of shared leadership and how that partnering becomes greater than the sum of its parts. Merriweather Lewis, secretary to President Jefferson, was selected to lead the Corps. Aware of his own weaknesses, Lewis asked his friend, William Clark, to co-command knowing his strengths as a take-charge, pragmatic leader. By doing this, he greatly increased their chances of surviving this very dangerous journey into the unknown.

Future Think. Strategic preparation involves so much more than merely “planning ahead.” With so many unknown obstacles ahead, Lewis and Clark paid meticulous attention to details, acquired the best tools for the journey, focused on efficiencies that could streamline their team and thought often about where they were going and why.

Honoring Differences. Diversity is not only the right thing to do, but is also a strategic necessity. Lewis and Clark cast a wide net to select team members who had a diversity of skills, background, language, and culture.

Equitable Justice. Discipline, fairly and compassionately applied, can preserve and further your mission. We know from our own experiences how being treated fairly and equitably builds trust

Into the Unknown: Leadership Lessons from Lewis

and Clark’s Daring Westward Expedition (continued)

with our leaders, especially in learning from our mistakes.

Absolute Responsibility. “Leading from the front” demonstrates uncommon resolve and inspires trust. Both men were willing to take risks, to gather as much information, but take action when it was called for. Such was the case when they reached the forks of the Missouri River and were not sure which fork was the correct one. They ultimately took responsibility for action-where they chose the south route and that turned out to be the right choice!

Meaningful Mentoring. True learning from others demands “open-minded skepticism.” Both Lewis and Clark had important mentors in their lives. For Lewis it was his mother, who was a skilled herbal doctor and later, Thomas Jefferson who instilled in him a belief in the pursuit of liberty and the expansion of the United States. For Clark, it was his older brother who had the utmost respect for the Indian tribes.

Realistic Optimism. A fundamental belief in your purpose and your people can give you “everything to hope, and little to fear.” Lewis and Clark’s focus on a positive outcome created a vision that became their guiding compass through very hard times and that overcame the insidious effects of pessimism. They viewed their daily challenges as obstacles to conquer, not insurmountable barriers.

Rational Risk. The danger of recklessness can be replaced with the power of fearlessness. The Corps took many risks but never without careful analysis and prudently prioritizing. In some cases they went forward, in some they waited, and in other situations they were forced to retreat. Their adaptability worked while they never waived from their overall goal of reaching the Pacific and returning.

Cultivating a Corps of Discovery. Remaining true to your word and your mission inspires the team to find its soul-and reach its own Pacific Ocean. In giving Sacagawea, an 18-year old Shoshone Indian and mother of a newborn, and York, a black slave, the right to vote in group expedition decisions, Lewis and Clark leaped through 100 years of inequity and struggle to do the “right” thing-to allow others to discover their full value.