As one of the youngest commanding officers in the Navy's Pacific Fleet, following his post as Military Assistant
to the Secretary of Defense, Mike took command of his first ship and wasted no time instituting radical changes.
Antiquated, do-as-I-say leadership practices literally went overboard when Mike stepped aboard USS Benfold. Mike
went to work on one of the lowest retention rates and poorest performing ships, solving core problems with grassroots
solutions. Practices that included converting dated command and control with commitment and cohesion to Mike's
greatest asset in any situation--People. "You need to recruit your people everyday even though you already
have them onboard." Immediately after leaving the Navy, Mike created GrassRoots Leadership, advising others
on how to empower their people while increasing profits and cutting costs. Mike continues to spread his message
through his first book, "It's Your Ship," published by Warner Books. Visit Captain D. Michael Abrashoff
at grassrootsleadership
Summary
When Captain Abrashoff took over as commander of USS 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.
Create discipline by focusing on purpose: Discipline skyrocketed when Abrashoff's crew believed that what they
were doing was important.
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 forty 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.
