Wednesday Wisdom - It's Your Ship

Several years ago I received this book from a colleague.  It completely changed my perception of how to lead. The story of Captain D. Michael Abrashoff and his command of USS Benfold has become legendary inside and outside the Navy. When Captain Abrashoff took over as commander of USS Benfold, 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. Knowing that responsibility for improving performance rested with him, he realized he had to improve his own leadership skills before he could improve his ship. Within months he created a crew of confident and inspired problem-solvers eager to take the initiative and take responsibility for their actions. The slogan on board became "It's your ship," and Benfold was soon recognized far and wide as a model of naval efficiency. Abrashoff was inspired to develop his “Grassroots Principles of Leadership”. Most of these are common sense – the key is implementation. I highly recommend this book as a must read for managers and leaders – especially if you find yourself struggling with implementing change in your organization.

Grassroots Principles of leadership
Lead by Example
GrassRoots Leaders know they must first change their own attitudes and behaviors before expecting their crew to change.
Communicate Purpose and Meaning
GrassRoots Leaders help their crew understand (collectively and individually) how their work contributes to the success of the overall mission, as well as understand how that work supports the personal goals they have for themselves.
Create a Climate of Trust
GrassRoots Leaders trust and cultivate trust from their crew. Without trust, the barriers that prevent excellent performance will never be lowered.
Look for Results, Not Salutes
GrassRoots Leaders maximize performance by making their people grow. They succeed only where their people succeed.
Take Calculated Risks
GrassRoots Leaders know that taking prudent, calculated risks is instrumental in maximizing performance.
Go Beyond Standard Operating Procedure
GrassRoots Leaders look at standard operating procedure as a guideline, because SOP doesn't change as rapidly as the environment and competition does. Therefore, they foster a climate that encourages people to come up with better and more innovative ways to accomplish their mission.
Listen Aggressively
GrassRoots Leaders don't simply listen, they hear what their people are telling them. They know that those on the front lines are the most familiar with how operations can be more effective.
Strengthen Others
GrassRoots Leaders focus on making their people grow and creating an environment where everyone can win, thereby making the entire team stronger.
Generate Unity
GrassRoots Leaders work to not only change undesirable behaviors but to alter the underlying attitudes. By working toward a mutual respect for everyone, they level the playing field, permitting everyone to perform at their highest level.
Cultivate Quality of Life
GrassRoots Leaders actively integrate fun into the work experience. They want their crew to have as much fun from 9 to 5 as they do at home from 5 to 9; thereby, gaining the passion, enthusiasm and creativity that they usually lock in their car in the parking lot each morning.

From the book, “It’s Your Ship”, by Mike Abrashoff