"IT'S OUR SHIP"

Some months ago I shared from a book given to me by Randy Etter, a fellow board member of the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority. It was entitled "It's Your Ship" and was authored by Captain D. Michael Abrashoff, the former commander of the USS Benfold. In this book, there are great leadership principles and every person in a position of leadership should sit down and discover what made the USS Benfold a great ship.

Following "It's Your Ship," comes another book by Captain Abrashoff, this one entitled "It's Our Ship." I want to share some thoughts from this book, which is so insightful in making a ship, business, school district, church, or any other type of organization great. How about this:"Welcome people aboard before they are aboard." If you hire someone new, find a way to make them feel a part of the organization before they actually begin work. I liked this a lot: "Treat your people and your shipmates the way you would want your spouse or child treated in the workplace."

Here are some thoughts from the book that I have especially found helpful in leadership:

"Pick out promising people early."
"Whenever possible, develop leaders within their current jobs."
"Leading is largely people watching"
"Make truth-telling your own personal prerogative."
"Never let people know what you want to hear - they will tell you."
"The first law of leadership in today's world is to give people irresistible incentives to collaborate for a purpose that enhances everyone.
"The two big motivators in people's lives are love and respect."
"If you make an honest effort to build a relationship, they will cut you some slack even if you fumble once in a while."

That's a small sample of the many "goodies" found in "It's Our Ship." I recommend it highly to anyone who is in a position of leadership or aspires to be a leader.