Into the Unknown: Leadership Lessons from Lewis and Clark's Daring Westward Expedition

The book - "Into the Unknown" - is part business guide and part history book. Author Jack Uldrich does an excellent job of chronicling the trials and tribulations of pioneer explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as they traversed into the American Northwest for nearly three years. Uldrich than uses that historical perspective to develop 10 leadership lessons that are applicable to business. Use of such a counterintuitive, non-obvious leadership team is one of the reasons why Soundview recommends this book. Additionally, the author uses the perilous journey of Lewis and Clark to parallel the seeming wilderness and ferocity that sometimes describes modern markets. This is definitely a worthwhile endeavor for any business leader who's hungry for their next discovery or adventure.

Using the 2 ½ year adventure into the American Northwest as a backdrop, Jack Uldrich offers leaders ten timeless lessons.Commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark discovered an endless land whose very existence foretold the country's future America. May, 2004 begins a bicentennial celebration of their incredible journey. Against staggering odds, these unique men inspired such absolute loyalty that they are regarded by many as the most successful leadership team in American history. Their story resonates with us because they had to: 1. Think strategically2. Make tough and timely decisions3. Surround themselves with good people4. Manage resources5. Motivate the team6. Deal with different cultures7. Assimilate information from many sources8. Balance long-term goals against short-term realities9. Learn from their mistakes10. Try new approaches.Lewis and Clark lead their team into the unknown. They preserved through crises, course changes and insurmountable adversity. They persevered. Their lessons will inspire all of us to lead our teams on discovery adventures.

As a self admitted fan of Lewis and Clark, I was somewhat reluctant to purchase this book. However, after reading it, I am glad I did. Uldrich takes an utterly unique approach to their incredible journey. Rather than simply retelling the story of the Corps of Discovery as so many authors have done, the author instead dissects their journey from the prospective of leadership. I found myself in complete agreement with his ten leadership principles and the ancedotes he uses are wonderful. His method of weaving in real-world examples drives home the point that Lewis and Clark are still relevant after 200 years. If I have a criticism, it is this ... I think the author should have had a chapter devoted to the diplomatic skills of Lewis and Clark. All told, I strongly recommend this book.

I have made it a point to read all the best selling business books to keep abreast of any new concepts in selling and management. Most books are long on theory and short on application. Or worse, very entertaining, but lacking enough detail do to anything more than enjoy the read! 'Into the Unknown' is masterfully written to offer the reader real leadership principles that are related to issues that companies are experiencing today. Uldrich is right when he concludes his book by saying that the reason Lewis and Clark are worthy of study is not because they discovered the future but rather because they created the future ... that is what great leaders do.