It's Your Ship

Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy

By: D. Michael Abrashoff

Narrated by: D. Michael Abrashoff

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

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.