It's Your Ship

Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy

By: D. Michael Abrashoff

Narrated by: D. Michael Abrashoff

Length: 2 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

The story of Captain D. Michael Abrashoff and his command of U.S.S. Benfold has become legendary inside and outside the Navy. Now Abrashoff offers this fascinating tale of top-down change for anyone trying to navigate today's uncertain business seas.

When Captain Abrashoff took over as commander of U.S.S. 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.

How did Abrashoff do it? Against the backdrop of today's United States Navy, Benfold was a key player in our Persian Gulf fleet, Abrashoff shares his secrets of successful management including:

• See the ship through the eyes of the crew. By soliciting a sailor's suggestions, Abrashoff drastically reduced tedious chores that provided little additional value.
• Communicate, communicate, communicate. The more Abrashoff communicated the plan, the better the crew's performance. His crew would eventually call him "Megaphone Mike", since they heard from him so often.
• Listen aggressively. After learning that many sailors wanted to use the GI Bill, Abrashoff brought a test official aboard the ship and held the SATs 40 miles off the Iraqi coast.

From achieving amazing cost savings to winning the highest gunnery score in the Pacific Fleet, Captain Abrashoff's extraordinary campaign sent shock waves through the U.S. Navy. It can help you change the course of your ship, no matter where your business battles are fought.

©2006 Captain D. Michael Abrashoff (P)2006 Time Warner AudioBooks

FANTASTIC!

Would you listen to It's Your Ship again? Why?

I put off this book for years; how good could a "military" book be? Absolutly fabulous; that's how good.

Any additional comments?

I put off this book for years; how good could a "military" book be? Absolutly fabulous; that's how good.

Book good! Production lacking.

Whomever was in charge of the production of this audio book needs to stop. The (insert expletive here) music between sections and/or chapters is extremely "cheesy" and annoying, and it greatly detracts from the reading by Capt. Abrashoff. His narrative and reading is perfectly fine.
Furthermore, I really wish this was an unabridged version!
In summary, the book itself is very good. The only complaint or criticism is the production, which detracts from the book and the author's narrative.

Good read

Always great to learn about how going out of comfort zone and SOP can bring great results. People mattes, results are mere outcomes. Well narrated.

Will recommend this short version.

Great leadership advice, and an interesting story!

This book gave great leadership advice, and was an interesting story! I shared it with my spouse.

Awesome!

This is the best book on leadership I have ever heard in my life. I listened to it about 10 times.

One of the best ever

This is one of the best books I have ever listened too, its a great book that is so practical that will help you put ideas into actions.

I highly recommend this one.

inspiring book

definitely recommend this book for anyone in a leadership position! it's changed my way of thinking on certain employee challenges

A solid leadership primer

A very good fundamental leadership book. Abrashoff is a down-to-earth author who does a great job of presenting contemporary themes of leadership and management in a common sense approach. A quick and entertaining read, and worthwhile for all leaders - new and seasoned. On my short list of must-reads for new leaders along with "The Way of the Shepherd" and "First, Break all the Rules".

A great job and story

If you could sum up It's Your Ship in three words, what would they be?

Poorly read

What was one of the most memorable moments of It's Your Ship?

None- Just a good story and a job well done.

Would you be willing to try another one of D. Michael Abrashoff’s performances?

Not if he is reading it

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

The book is being read to us in a painful monotone. Hire a professional reader(s) If it was not for that I could have listened to it in one sitting and would want to hear it again, but no thanks.

Short listen with fundamental leadership lessons

What other book might you compare It's Your Ship to and why?

I would say that this book and the 21 irrefutable laws of leadership are similar in topic and tone. Not a lot of information around how to implement the ideas, but a high level review of the concepts. That said, the concepts are solid and good for any new leader to absorb.

Any additional comments?

Great book and will be recommended to many new leaders. It's length and simplicity will act as a good starter for conversations around growth into a leadership role for an Associate that hasn't had much experience leading a team.