Captain D. Michael Abrashoff, former commander of the USS Benfold in his book "Its Your Ship," provides a number of management techniques from the best ship in the Navy. The story of Captain Abrashoff and his command of the USS Benfold has become legendary inside and outside the Navy.
When Abrashoff took over as commander of that ship, a ship armed with every cutting-edge system available, it was like a business that had all the latest technology but only some of the productivity. The slogan on board the ship was "It's your ship," and Benfold was soon recognized far and wide as a model of naval efficiency.
Abrashoff's secrets of successful management include the following:
SEE THE SHIP THROUGH THE EYES OF THE CREW.
By soliciting a sailor's suggestion, Abrashoff drastically reduced tedious chores that provided little additional value.
COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE
The more Abrashoff communicated the plan, the better the crew's performance. His crew would eventually call him "Megaphone Mike," since they heard from him so often
CREATE DISCIPLINE BY FOCUSING ON PURPOSE
Discipline skyrocketed when Abrashoff's crew believed that what they were doing was important.
LISTEN AGGRESSIVELY
After learning that many sailors wanted to pursue the GI Bill, Abrashoff brought a test official aboard the ship - and held the SAT's forty miles off the Iraqui coast
Abrashoff left the Navy in 2001 and became the founder and CEO of Grassroots Leadership, Inc, in Boston. You can visit his Web site at www.grassrootsleadership.com.
Randy Etter, one of MOHELA's Board of Directors gave this book to each member of the Board. Thank you, Randy.
2 comments:
Thank you for sharing!
These are definitely words of
wisdom to take into any work
place! Great blog!
Stacey O
What a great commentary. I wonder if the church could get a hold of this idea, what would happen?
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