The legendary New York Times bestselling tale of top-down change for anyone trying to navigate today's uncertain business seas.
When Captain Abrashoff took over as commander of USS Benfold, 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 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. How did Abrashoff do it? Against the backdrop of today's United States Navy, Abrashoff shares his secrets of successful management including:
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"Excellent discussion of core leadership principles. A colleague recommended this to me several years ago and I am just now getting around to reading it. The principles are sound and the presentation concise. A background in public safety may have helped to make the leadership lessons particularly applicable. This one made my "must read" list for leadership. This is not profound scholarship. If you want that, read Collins. If you want clear, concise and immensely practical points - this one is for you."
— Mark (5 out of 5 stars)
“In It’s Your Ship, [Abrashoff] translates his methods into an approach that can also be applied by land-bound captains of commerce and industry…Abrashoff’s course should provide practical direction and inspiration for any leader hoping for similarly positive results in similarly rigid organizations.”
— Amazon.com, editorial review" Its hard to believe the author actually pulled off all that he claims to have accomplished as CO of a USN destroyer. He is some kind of natural genius at managing people, getting cooperation and exceeding goals. Wow. And very entertaining. "
— Dave, 2/18/2014" building trust, ownership, through listening and talking with crew "
— Joyce, 2/6/2014" Abrashoff proves that crushing bureaucracy is no excuse for refusing to try new management styles. Within the confines of the Navy, where he could theoretically order personal to perform their best, Abrashoff finds ways - without violating regulations - of motivating his crew to want to perform their best. This book is an excellent read for anyone who thinks their workplace could be better. "
— Angelyn, 2/2/2014" I was not to impressed. I was recommended this by a client. The philosophies in this inspire rebellion and rule breaking. OK at times, but a little much for me. It is also 90 percent about how great this guy was. "
— Adam, 1/30/2014" This book can irritate people b/c the guy can sound like he's patting himself on the back ... but I found a lot of good little hints and I liked his big-picture perspective. "
— Kate, 1/30/2014" Horrible. Same old stuff plus self-aggrandizement. "
— David, 1/28/2014" Leadership from a different perspective. Not bad, but I've read better leadership books. "
— Clint, 1/26/2014" Another book that would put in the "advanced common sense" category. A quick read that at the very least will give every manager some things to think about. "
— Leonard, 1/21/2014" This was a decent book, my one main issue with it was the repetitiveness of his content, he found several different ways to say the same thing. "
— David, 1/5/2014" I found it an arrogant book. A friend of mine served under Abrashoff on the USS Benfold and he was not the type of guy he portrays himself as in the book. Besides that, he takes credit for ideas and methods that were not his but his crew's. "
— Heidi, 12/26/2013" A quick read on how a captain improved morale on his ship and how these techniques might translate in the civilian world. It was interesting and I thought there were a few decent ideas...but most of it is common sense. "
— Bruce, 11/23/2013" Some good stuff here, however by the end I was finding some of it hard to believe. Being prior military I thought it started to read much like many of the other performance documents I've read. A good author can make a bad troop look good. "
— Andrew, 9/19/2013" If you can get past that one swear word, it's a great read! "
— Liza, 9/5/2013" I learned that it's my ship. "
— Jeff, 8/9/2013" Excellent book with great real world appliations of smart business practices. "
— Michelle, 8/2/2013" just alright. lots of anecdotes that can't be applies unless you're working on a ship or work with people who have to listen to you or else. Entertainment. "
— Ben, 4/27/2013" good book for any manager or business owner. "
— Jack, 3/23/2013" Inspiring story of ChangeMaster Leader! "
— Denise, 3/3/2013" This book is full of great leadership principles! The only downside is that if you have heard Captain Abrashoff speak, you will have already heard most if the stories. "
— Leigh, 8/13/2012" Usually management & leadership books are about theories, but this one is different! Author manage to weave a story around his life as a commander of a ship, which is really engaging and fun to read! "
— Shailesh, 2/16/2012" Great leadership book. Lots of common sense advice on how to make your business/leadership role thrive. "
— Jennifer, 2/15/2012" A new twist on well proven leadership practices. Easy and enjoyable read. "
— Aaron, 1/19/2012" Interesting insights, though it's pretty much the stuff they teach in B-school. "
— Roy, 10/24/2011" Great book about creating a sense of ownership in those who serve under you. "
— Michael, 9/10/2011" Good management book using pratical techniques for leadership "
— Lynn, 6/4/2011" Great read! I learned a ton from this book and although I don't work in the navy, found a lot of it applicable. We read it for work and continue to bring up the concepts all the time. "
— Mary, 5/21/2011" Great book about managing your team for optimal productivity, complete buy-in, success, and continual innovation. "
— Adam, 5/18/2011" By far one of the best management/leadership books I've ever read. It's become a permanent fixture at my fingertips on my desk. If you lead people, you should read this book. "
— Jim, 2/1/2011" This was a quick and interesting book on Leadership. Some things were common sense and others were clever. The bottom line is to lead by example, take care of your people, be willing to do what you have your people do, among others. "
— Shaun, 9/13/2010" Best book on leadership/management I've read in a while. Practical stories from the Navy about changing a culture and empowering an organization to "own" its ship. A must read for all leaders. "
— John, 9/6/2010" This book is full of great leadership principles! The only downside is that if you have heard Captain Abrashoff speak, you will have already heard most if the stories. "
— Leigh, 8/18/2010" I had to read this book for a management course at work and found it helpful, not only at work, but in my church leadership position as well. "
— Annette, 7/18/2010" An interesting book of leadership, that is easy to read and understand. A real good read for new leaders! "
— Poh, 6/6/2010" I enjoyed this book. It is a quick, worthwhile read. "
— Chip, 5/6/2010" EVERY manager should read this book. Teaches compassion and inspiration. :) "
— Sarah, 2/28/2010" Very good book to apply to the business world as a sort of analogy to it. Easy and comfortable read with good lessons that can be applied especially for employees who sometimes are not shown the whole picture. "
— Wayne, 1/29/2010" I learned that it's my ship. "
— Jeff, 1/19/2010Captain D. Michael Abrashoff is a graduate of the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and was a military assistant to the former Secretary of Defense, the Honorable Dr. William J. Perry. Abrashoff left the Navy in 2001 and became the founder and CEO of Grassroots Leadership, Inc., in Boston. The company is dedicated to helping organizations and individuals deliver the best results in a challenging global environment.