Shawn Skalinski

for professor Louis Lim

October 14, 2020
Into Thin Air by Jon Krankauer
A Book Report on Leadership
In the novel Into Thin Air, Scott Fischer possesses a charismatic personality that many are drawn
to. He’s personable and has an energy about him that is magnetic. Having a colourful personality
and passionate enthusiasm are attractive characteristics that can often pull followers in.
Hall also shows strong leadership, as he demonstrates a strong commitment to the objective at
hand when summiting with his followers. To be an effective leader, it is important to be
committed to the objective and care enough to spend time and consideration on the small steps
that will get you there.
Ang Dorje is another person whose actions demonstrate admirable leadership skills. He risks his
life in order to save Hall’s. Such selflessness is clearly an admirable trait to have as a leader,
often gaining the respect of others. These are the kind of strong connections followers remember.
Conversely, Lopsang demonstrates negative leadership skills when he sacrifices the safety of the
team and short-ropes Sandy during the summit instead of conserving his energy for leading the
group. An effective leader will put personal bias aside and keep focus on the group’s objective,
in this case, reaching the summit with your followers safely.
Neil Beidleman also demonstrates negative leadership when he does not speak up, even though
he felt he should have when time became an issue. He is in a position to lead, albeit as a third
guide, and instead he regrettably keeps quiet. A strong leader should listen to their intuition,
especially if the safety of others is at risk, and be decisive in their action.
Ian Woodall is another individual who does not put his group’s objective ahead of his own
personal needs. When he refuses to relinquish leadership, even after being asked to do so from
Nelson Mandela, it is clear his motivation is a selfish one. An effective leader should put the
objective first, ahead of any personal wants.
A cultural aspect of leadership is evident when Ang Dorje demonstrates his commitment to
sacrifice himself for others in his perilous search for Hall. This dedication to helping others is
linked to his Buddhist belief in sonam, where one accounts for their righteous deeds in order to
transcend from the world of pain and suffering.
Additionally, Boukreev’s refusal to guide as Fischer requests, like a conventional guide in the
Western tradition, demonstrates how culture can shape the way one may lead. His Russian
upbringing taught him to not coddle the weak -- his way of instilling strength in those he serves.
One of the lessons learned from this tragedy is the importance of questioning those you serve
when in doubt. Speak up if you believe it is important to do so and you have the objective of the
group in mind.
Another important lesson learned is that of admitting when you make a mistake. By doing so,
you are showing a willingness to learn from a negative experience. Strong leaders learn from
their mistakes and don’t bury their lessons in the past.

References:
Krakauer, J. (1999). Into Thin Air: A personal account of the Mount Everest disaster.
Anchor Books.