When Do You Know When You Are Taking Command Its Your Ship

6 Takeaways from "It's Your Ship"

Have you ever felt as if you were a captain of a sinking ship?

Helm D. Michael Abrashoff sure every bit heck did when he was put in command of the USS Benfold, a ship that had gained the reputation of ane of the worst naval crews at body of water. The ship was a superlative-notch vessel, equipped with the best technologies but still, the crew was not performing. The Navy wanted to get the ship in shape and fast.

In June 1997, Abrashoff set foot upon the USS Benfold. This was Abrashoff's first run as bounding main command, and his nerves ran loftier at the sheer task of beingness a Helm. What he saw left little to ease his worries. The crew was blatantly disrespectful to the departing captain, a human being who was known for ruling with an iron fist. It made Abrashoff cringe to see the behavior. At that moment he knew that the cold-difficult leadership manner of the departing captain didn't resonate with the crew. Abrashoff needed a different arroyo to reach the excellence he was aspiring to achieve. Before laying down new law, Abrashoff turned inward and did some difficult soul searching. He knew that this arduous task would be entirely dependent on his leadership skills. Over the next several months he honed his leadership skills, and by bettering himself built a crew of confident, difficult-working problem-solvers who were eager to have the initiative and responsibility for their ain actions. The slogan on board became: "Information technology's your ship."

Later simply a few short months under Abrashoff's command, the USS Benfold became a top producing naval unit. Abrashoff memorialized his story and lessons in It'due south Your Send, one of the meridian books on leadership.

Abrashoff's compelling story of summit-down modify can apply to all areas of business concern. Companies like Calyx take taken lessons from It'south Your Ship and implemented them into our own business culture. Nosotros've chop-chop realized an increase in morale and enthusiasm. For those looking for a quick improvement on their leadership skills here are 6 takeaways to enhance your teams' comradery and productivity.

Atomic number 82 past Example

Do yous walk your talk? Practice you bark orders from your desk-bound, or are you willing to go your easily dirty?  Those who lead by case create a stronger, more agreeable, and productive squad.    Leaders set morale past helping to inspire and assistance those around them to meet their full potential.  Cracking leaders rising to challenges and boost their comrades higher than themselves. To gain the trust of your employees, lay downward footsteps for them to follow. Be the leader that you would feel confident following.

Listen Aggressively

Abrashoff conducted interviews with each of his 300 coiffure members. He got personal in his discussions while learning about their personal lives, why they joined the Navy, and their thoughts on how to improve the Benefold. He discovered that he had a crew of smart, talented, and innovative men and women, but they weren't being heard. Abrashoff "decided that {his} job was to "heed aggressively" to his crew.

When leaders listen and act upon suggestions, employees feel validated for making a deviation. You never know who will come up with the side by side big idea. Extending an ear and responding accordingly tin profoundly increase morale and productivity.

Communicate with Purpose

Lack of productivity oftentimes results from a sense of disconnect between the employee and the mission of the organization. Abrashoff took observe that the crew wasn't invested in the ship. "No 1 had ever thought to give {the coiffure} a compelling vision of their work, a good reason to believe it was important." When Abrashoff made them aware of their purpose, their performance increased tenfold.

Abrashoff goes on to explain, "No matter how fantastic your message is, if no 1 is receiving it, you lot aren't communicating." It is up to the leader to clearly define the mission and vision of the organization and and then to communicate clearly and concisely.

Go above and beyond

In business, as well every bit in the Navy, standard operating procedure tends to take precedent. Y'all volition never become in trouble for post-obit bones expectations and protocols. Staying in line is safe and effective. However, post-obit standard operating procedures rarely results in exceptional outcomes. Innovation and progress occur when employees experience comfortable and motivated to get above and beyond.

The Washington Post Exam

The end goal is essential, but how you lot become there is just as critical. Abrashoff writes, "If what I'm about to do appeared on the front page of the Washington  Post tomorrow, would I be proud or embarrassed? If I knew I would be embarrassed, I would not do information technology. If I'd exist proud, I knew I was by and large on the right track." Leading with integrity is doing the correct thing, even when it is hard.

Have risks

For greatness to occur, anybody in an organization must feel comfortable taking calculated risks. Equally a leader, ensure that your employees know the parameters in which they can operate. Let them know that thinking outside of the box will be rewarded, even if information technology doesn't result in success. Encouraging perfection snuffs out your team'south want for hazard-taking and artistic thinking, thus, killing innovation.

Captain D. Michael Abrashoff has shown that excellent leadership tin completely alter the course of an organization. You lot too can elevate your leadership skills and strengthen your team by implementing strategies from Information technology's Your Ship.

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Source: https://calyxit.com/6-takeaways-from-its-your-ship/