It’s Your Ship

About the Author

Captain D. Michael Abrashoff, USN Ret., is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. He commanded the guided missile destroyer USS Benfold from June 1997 for 20 months. Abrashoff is also the founder and CEO of Grassroots Leadership, Inc., and the author of Get Your Ship Together, released in January 2005. His innovative leadership strategies and commitment to empowering his crew have made him a respected figure in both military and civilian leadership circles.

Main Idea

The central theme of It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy by Captain D. Michael Abrashoff is about transformative leadership. Abrashoff shares his experience of turning around the performance of the USS Benfold by focusing on empowering his crew, listening aggressively, and fostering a sense of ownership and unity among the sailors. The book illustrates how forward-thinking leadership practices can significantly improve an organization's effectiveness.

Table of Contents

• Opportunity in a Troubled Industry
• Take Command
• Lead by Example
• Listen Aggressively
• Communicate Purpose and Meaning
• Look for Results, Not Salutes
• Go Beyond Standard Procedure
• Build Up Your People
• Generate Unity
• Improve Your People's Quality of Life
• Create a Climate of Trust
• Life After Benfold

Opportunity in a Troubled Industry

When Captain D. Michael Abrashoff took command of the USS Benfold in 1997, the Navy was facing numerous challenges. Despite the ship's advanced technological capabilities, including computerized missiles and a sophisticated radar system, many of its practices were outdated. The Navy was struggling with low morale and retention rates among its sailors. As Abrashoff recounts, "The ship had the Navy's most advanced arsenal...but its systems and technologies were not enough to overcome the challenges of low morale and outdated practices."

Abrashoff's mission was to transform the USS Benfold into a model of efficiency and excellence. He believed that the key to success lay in empowering the crew and making them feel a sense of ownership over the ship's performance. This approach was revolutionary, especially in a rigid, hierarchical organization like the Navy.

Take Command

Upon taking command, Abrashoff recognized that he needed to address the underlying issues affecting the crew's morale. He began by reading exit surveys to understand why sailors were leaving. To his surprise, low pay was not the primary reason; instead, sailors felt disrespected and undervalued. Abrashoff decided to focus on improving the crew's work environment by empowering them and giving them a sense of purpose.

"The top reason was not being treated with respect or dignity; second was being prevented from making an impact on the organization; third was not being listened to; and fourth was not being rewarded with more responsibility." - Captain D. Michael Abrashoff

He made it a point to ensure that every sailor felt valued and respected. Abrashoff understood that in order to lead effectively, he needed to build a strong relationship with his crew. This involved not only listening to their concerns but also taking concrete actions to address them.

1. Conducting regular one-on-one meetings with sailors to understand their issues and aspirations.
2. Implementing changes based on the feedback received, such as improving living conditions and work processes.
3. Encouraging open communication and transparency within the crew.

Lead by Example

Abrashoff believed that leadership was about setting the right example. He made it a point to challenge outdated practices and encourage his crew to find better ways to perform their duties. He also emphasized the importance of personal accountability and integrity. By leading through example, Abrashoff inspired his crew to take initiative and think creatively.