Stop Struggling: Lead Through Team Disconnect with L.I.F.T.

build stronger, more unified teams with the l.i.f.t. framework.

What does it take to lead when the stakes are life-or-death, and hope hangs by a thread? In Episode 33 of Elevate Your Call to Service, we unravel the heart-pounding story of Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition, where one leader’s grit and empathy saved his stranded crew from an icy fate. Paired with hard-earned law enforcement wisdom, this episode reveals why people-focused leadership builds stronger, more unified teams than task-driven management ever could. Discover the LIFT framework—Listen, Ignite, Foster, Thrive—to transform your team into a thriving force, even in the most challenging moments. Perfect for law enforcement leaders and anyone ready to lead with purpose.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why trust and empathy are more critical than checklists for team success.
How Shackleton’s leadership in crisis kept 27 men alive against all odds.
Practical steps to apply the LIFT framework (Listen, Ignite, Foster, Thrive) to your team today.
The surprising truth about why 70% of people leave jobs (hint: it’s not the work).
How to stay calm and lead with confidence in high-stakes situations.

Key Moments

A hard lesson learned: How task-driven leadership crushed a team—and how to avoid it.
The Shackleton story unfolds: Stranded on ice, a leader’s empathy becomes the key to survival.
Real-world law enforcement example: A sergeant’s coaching sparks team growth.
Introducing LIFT: Four simple steps to build trust and unity.
Why knowing your team’s strengths (and their kids’ names) changes everything.
Challenge: Start using LIFT this week to lift your team to new heights.

Resources Mentioned

Ernest Shackleton’s Story: Dive deeper into his Antarctic expedition with Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing.

Quotes of the Episode

“Leadership is about people, not plans.”
“It’s much more important for a team to feel connected than to feel productive.”
“He knew his men. He knew their strengths. He knew their weaknesses. He knew what motivated them.”
“When your leader is that connected to the people and to the team, you find yourself in situations where if they say you can do it, you believe it.”
“We don’t want to just get through. We want to thrive.”

Challenge for Listeners

Take the LIFT Challenge! This week, focus on one step of the LIFT framework:

Listen: Ask a team member how they’re feeling after a tough day.
Ignite: Share a clear team goal for the day or week.
Foster: Pair a veteran team member with a newer one to mentor.
Thrive: Create a moment of fun or connection to boost team spirit.
Share your results with us on X (#) or email us at contact@leleaders.com (mailto:contact@leleaders.com)!