49 pages • 1 hour read
Captain D. Michael AbrashoffIt's Your Ship
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2002A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Index of Terms
Gunnery Exercises
These are simulated naval battle exercises that are evaluated by a committee of higher-ups. One of the measures Abrashoff uses to illustrate how much the Benfold changes under his leadership is how well it performs in these exercises. Prior to Abrashoff’s arrival as captain, the ship routinely performed poorly in these exercises. After he assumed command, the ship routinely excelled and broke many performance records, in the process becoming a trusted asset in actual confrontations.
Micromanaging
This is a practice in which a leader becomes too involved in all operations within an organization. Abrashoff argues that people who are top-performers in a particular field, if they do not learn how to become effective leaders, generally micromanage because they expect things to be done the exact way they would do them. Micromanagers make for ineffective leaders because the crew or employees do not feel valued, trusted, or as though they have any degree of autonomy within the organization.
Operant Conditioning
Abrashoff does not refer directly to operant conditioning, or positive reinforcement, in the book, though this concept is a fundamental concept of BF Skinner’s psychological theory. Abrashoff insists that praise is a far more effective motivation tool than fear and argues that effective organizations know how to appropriately use praise to motivate rather than placate their employees.
SOP
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in the United States Navy refers to a formalized set of instructions outlining the prescribed methods and protocols for carrying out routine tasks or operations within the naval context. These procedures are designed to ensure uniformity, efficiency, and safety across various naval activities, ranging from daily shipboard routines to specialized mission execution. SOPs typically encompass a wide range of activities, including but not limited to equipment maintenance, personnel duties, emergency response protocols, and operational procedures specific to different naval units or functions. While adherence to SOPs is essential for maintaining consistency, discipline, and readiness within the Navy’s operational framework, Abrashoff found that applying this philosophy as a personnel management style had adverse effects.
Top-Down Command
Abrashoff is critical of this leadership style throughout the book. Generally, this style involves a singular figurehead who makes all decisions within an organization with limited input from subordinates. He equates the style to a familiar drill-sergeant method where the leader barks orders, uses fear or punishment as a motivating tool, and generally keeps closed lines of communication.
Vice Admiral
This is a position of rank within the Navy and Abrashoff ultimately reports to this senior officer. Abrashoff points out that usually, vice admirals are three-star officers who themselves report up the chain of command to the admiral.
XO
In the US Navy, the Executive Officer (XO) is a high-ranking officer typically serving as second in command aboard a naval vessel or within a naval unit. The XO acts as a key advisor to the commanding officer and assists in overseeing the day-to-day operations, administration, and management of the unit. Responsibilities may include personnel management, logistical coordination, and ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs). Additionally, the XO often assumes command in the absence of the commanding officer and plays a crucial role in maintaining unit readiness and effectiveness through strategic planning and operational support. Abrashoff’s stints as XO on the Shiloh taught him many valuable leadership lessons that he applied when he became commander of the Benfold.
