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It's Your Ship  By  cover art

It's Your Ship

By: D. Michael Abrashoff
Narrated by: D. Michael Abrashoff
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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

Featured Article: The 20 Best Leadership Audiobooks to Inspire You and Your Team


Often what makes leadership so difficult is not the responsibilities or pressure that comes with it, but the soft skills needed to effectively manage people. Unlike many goals, soft skills are difficult to measure, which can make them hard to improve upon. That’s why we brought in the experts. With advice from some of the best in the business to help you inspire your team and improve your workplace, here is our list of the 20 best leadership audiobooks.

What listeners say about It's Your Ship

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

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".

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

GREAT STORY!

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

The fact that the author himself narrated it.

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

When the Captain first explains the phrase "the best damn ship in the Navy"

Which character – as performed by D. Michael Abrashoff – was your favorite?

Him

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

I'ts Your Ship is a very good book of application.

It takes well known business, personal, management, and leadership principles and demonstrates proof of concepts. It substantiates the axiom that no matter what the industry, most every good principle works, especially when you involve your people. Dictatorships, may have their place but only for a short term, they can last only so long. Right people, right bus, right seat, right direction, and right vision wins everytime.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Assigned and enjoyed

I had to read or listen to this book for a leadership program. I enjoyed this assignment and took away many great ideas.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Very inspiring for new and seasoned leaders.

This was my first audiobook and it didn’t disappoint. It’s Your Ship illustrates some very good ideas for new and seasoned leaders.

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