Captain D. Michael Abrashoff recounts his experience as the commanding officer of the USS Benfold.  It’s Your Ship is the playbook how Abrashoff transformed the USS Benfold into one of the best ships in the navy.

Leadership is crucial in any organization, especially in the military where decisions can mean life or death.  Abrashoff was able to create a climate where every sailor believed that the success of the ship was his or her responsibility.  “Show me an organization in which employees take ownership, and I will show you one that beats its competitors.”

“As I saw it, my job was to create the climate that enabled people to unleash their potential” (p. 31).  It’s Your Ship provides the principles how Abrashoff created a crew of confident and inspired problem-solvers eager to take responsibility for their ship.  The chapter titles reveals the strategy Abrashoff used to turn his ship around:

Take Command    The way to create lasting change is to see the ship through the eyes of the crew to determine what is wrong and empower the sailors to fix it themselves.

Lead By Example    Leadership must be done by example, not simply through platitudes.   When he was unable able to get the results that he wanted,  Abrashoff looked within and asked three questions that helped him decide if he was the problem:  1.  Did I articulate the goals?   2.  Did I give people enough time and resources to accomplish the task?   3.  Did I give them enough training?

Listen Aggressively     Abrashoff  decided that he would get to know every person on his ship and  what they liked to do.

Communicate Purpose and Meaning     The key to leading a ship or organization is to articulate a common goal that inspires a diverse group of people to work together.

Create A Climate Of Trust     An effective  workforce must have a culture of mutual trust with one another.

Look For Results, Not Salutes     Abrashoff encouraged innovation from all levels of the organization and he gave significant responsibility to his junior people.

Take Calculated Risks     You must realize that when you set out to improve your organization and take ownership you may make mistakes.

Go Beyond Standard Procedure     Innovation and progress are achieved only by those who venture beyond standard operating procedure.

Build Up Your People     Leaders can achieve new levels of success by encouraging their people to express themselves on both a personal and professional level.

Generate Unity     Treating people with dignity and respect is not only morally right, but also results in productivity.

Improve Your People’s Quality of Life     Quality of life creates good morale and fosters a healthy work environment.

Life After Benfold     Abrashoff continue to teach these principles in his organization:  http://www.glsworld.com/

In summary, “My organizing principle was simple:  The key to being a successful skipper is to see the ship through the eyes of the crew.  Only then can you find out what’s really wrong, and, in so doing, help the sailors empower themselves to fix it.”   If you’re in a leadership role then you’ll find this a helpful resource.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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