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

A leader's book

Short yet filled with common sense alternatives and actions to achieve the best in your team.

A good listen.

Any additional comments?

Abrashoff is proud of his accomplishments and he lets you know it. Needs more examples of using his philosophy in the private sector rather than all of the military examples.

Best damn book

As a new leader in a new industry this book provided a new perspective and how to challenge the mindset of its always been done that way mentality.

love it so true in everyday life uplifted and so

love it so inspiring and hopefully I'm happy thanks so much 🤩😘😘😘ship ran well captain

All Ahead Full

In IT'S YOUR SHIP: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy By Captain D. Michael Abrashoff, the author goes to prove once again why the United States Military (Navy, Army, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard) constantly and consistently produces individuals who continue to make this nation the greatest in the world.

Capt. Abrashoff shows how he took a ship full of "we've always done it that way" sailors and turned them into "there has to be a new way of doing it" go-getters. His story, could be told by countless of Ship Captains, Company Commanders, Air Wing Commanders, and anyone that has the authority to make changes happen in the military. Additionally, the story Captain Abrashoff tells is that of men hungry for change. If they weren't then this book would have been titled, "I Tried And The Ship Sank."

This book should not only be required reading at ALL the military academies but at every Business School in the nation (both Undergraduate and Graduate schools). It states clearly that eventhough the MISSION comes first, the people that make the mission a success should at all cost be taken care of. Failing to do so will ensure the failure of the mission.

Listen to this audio book and then pass it on to someone who you think will benefit from the insight, also share it with a veteran and soon you will hear their story of how they got the mission accomplished and the resources and initiative that went into meeting their unique goals. Great Primer to initiating change in your place of business.

Good reminder

This book is a good reminder that common sense works, if you dare trust yourself.

Great book.

Highly recommend. Great book for any organization - big or small. Awesome ideas for motivating your team.

Awesome tools for inside and outside the military.

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

Great read for military (and non-military) leadership. It implements tools for outside of the box ‘free thought’ that can be used by any sailor, soldier, or leader, in todays work place.

Really enjoyed this audiobook.

Great common sense advice plus thinking outside the box. Creativity wasn't lacking on the Benfold!!

A Diary of a Great Leader!!! A good one!

D. Michael Abrashoff, is giving a lot of practical ideas to build a team and make that proud of themselves. Very good presentation.