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

Must-read for Leaders

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

At under three hours, you have this little gem finished in one road trip.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Captain Abrashoff is inspiring and shares what works in leadership as well as what doesn't.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The entire story is inspiring and can be adapted across leadership positions of all sorts.

Practical and Enlightening

Outstanding book. It is the first book I have read in a long time that I just couldn't put down. The author explains how to improve an organization and uses practical stories to illustrate his points. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for ways to increase the efficiency of their organization and promote the "thinking outside the box" creative attitude that leads to lasting change and increased profits. This book is a must read for leaders and managers at all levels.

Benefits seem so obvious

I worked for an organization that preached this leadership style but failed in practicing. Focused efforts on metrics and self promotion lead to disgruntled employees seeking outside opportunities.

Abrashoff does an excellent job uncovering the need, identifying the problem and implementing a solution. Regardless of the industry or organization size, every manager, potential manager, or leader can benefit from reading this book.

Great listen for a 3 hour raid trip.

An absolute must read

I have use this book with many companies. The store is motivational, inspiring, and filled with best practices. The will help you navigate the treacherous water of taking your organization to the next level.

Outstanding

Great stories
The stories demonstrated how to build a culture of accountability by building (training) leaders and trusting the training you invested into them.

GREAT!!!!

I had heard for a while how great this story is. Shame on me for not experiencing it sooner!

I enjoyed this book

What made the experience of listening to It's Your Ship the most enjoyable?

Narration was great and I enjoyed the story. The book is a little short but is worth the money.

Must read!

This book is almost unreasonably empowering! It gives you the fire to better (or try to) any managed environment or system.

Practical & Engaging

No fluff, practical, and useful information backed by real life engaging stories. It is refreshing to have a book that dives in immediately, without the first few chapters establishing the authors credibility which seems to be the standard in self improvement books. Taking one point because of the occasional background music that is distracting, pops up at weird times, and sometimes drowns out the narrator.

Loved this book

A lesson in empowering those around you to level up. To create a community of significance.