It's Your Ship

I just finished reading It’s Your Ship by Captain D. Michael Abrashoff, a leadership book written by former captain of USS Benfold, a US Navy Guided missile destroyer.
He had a mission to improve his (and Navy’s) leadership skills to improve the performance of his ship.
This book had a lots of interesting insights on leadership and organizations that is relevant also outside US Navy context → warmly recommended.

The Chapters

A quote from the introduction of the book:

The book narrates episodes in Benfold’s two-year voyage thorugh uncharted waters of leadership, and is organized around the lessons I learned. A chapter is given to each one.

Mostly for my own sake, here’s a list of the chapters of the book:

Lead by Example

• It’s funny how often the problem is you.
• Never forget your effect on people.
• Leaders know how to be held accountable.
• Never fail the “Washington Post” test.
• Obey even when you disagree.

Listen Aggressively

• See the ship through the crew’s eyes.
• Find round people for round holes.
• Use the power of word magic.

Communicate Purpose and Meaning

• Make your crew think “We can do anything.”
• Open up the clogged channels
• After creating a gread brand, defend it.
• Freedom creates discipline.

Create a Climate of Trust

• Never pit dog against dog.
• Even the worst screwup may be redeemable.
• Welcome the bad-news messenger.
• Protect your people from lunatic bosses.
• Being the best carries responsibility.
• Trust also makes money.

Look for Results, not Salutes

• Help knock down the barriers.
• Let your crew feel free to speak up.
• Free your crew from top-down-itis.
• Nurture the freedom to fail.
• Innovation know no rank.
• Challenge your crew beyond its reach.

Take Calculated Risks

• Bet on the people who think for themselves.
• Take a chance on a promising sailor.
• If a rule doesn’t make sense, break it.
• If a rule does make sense, break it carefully.

Go Beyond Standard Procedure

• Keep your priorities in focus.
• Stay ahead of the competition.
• Push the envelope for innovation.
• Volunteering benefits everyone.
• Go for the obvious. It’s probably a winner.
• Don’t work harder. Work smarter.
• Don’t fight stupidity. Use it.

Build Up Your People

• Little things make big successes.
• Trust people. They usually prove you’re right.
• Newbies are important. Treat them well.
• Be the rising tide that lifts all boats.
• Build up your bosses.
• Expect the best from your crew. You will get it.
• Build a strong, deep bench.
• Counsel continuously – and honestly.

Generate Unity

• Forget diversity. Train for unity.
• Deal out punishment strictly but fairly.
• What’s bad for women is bad for your ship.

Improve Your People’s Quality of Life

• Fun with your friends makes a happy ship.
• The first priority: good food.
• Add to your crew’s bottom line.
• In heavy times, lighten up.
• Let the crew show off the ship.
• The secret of good work? Good play.