Their survival largely had to do with emotional intelligence. It began with Shackleton's recognition that this was the kind of situation in which his leadership abilities would flourish (self-knowledge) (Gallagher & Tschudin, 2010). It was only in extreme situations that his leadership qualities emerged (initiative and innovation). Shackleton's initial plan for the expedition was ''purposeful, bold, and neat. He hadn't the slightest doubt that the expedition would achieve its goal (self-confidence). Lansing also describes Shackleton as having a ''monstrous ego and implacable drive'' (achievement drive) (Mostert, 2007).The ability to select the right person for the right job requires great emotional intelligence and he was intensely watchful
