A couple years ago, I read Captain Mike Abrashoff’s book, “It’s Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy.” It came highly recommended from my mentor and I eventually received executive coaching from Captain Abrashoff’s performance company, Aegis.
Captain Abrashoff committed to taking the worst operational ship in the Navy and transforming it into the best with ZERO changes in personnel. It’s a great account of all the things that a culture can do for you and proved Peter Drucker’s famous quote, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” Strategy is rules. Culture is a way of thinking that dictates how people act without needing a rule for every situation! Way more flexible and quick.
One great tidbit was Captain Abrashoff’s inquiry into the top 5 reasons people leave their job. While you may think it is pay, pay only ranks as the 5th reason. The top reason was not being treated with respect or dignity, the 2nd reason – being prevented from making an impact on the organization, 3rd – not being listened to, and 4th – not being awarded with more responsibility. Looking back on the various positions I’ve held in other organizations, I’ve often experienced combinations of 4 or even all 5 of these management errors, which fortunately led me to start my own businesses.
Are you making these same mistakes in your business? If not, congratulations on running the best “ship” in your industry!
One Ladder Project 