Join Amazon Prime and ship Two-Day for free and Overnight for $3.99. Already a member? Sign in.

It's Your Ship and over 300,000 other books are available for Amazon Kindle � Amazon�s new wireless reading device. Learn more

Quantity:

More Buying Choices

178 used & new from $5.96

Have one to sell? Sell yours here

Share with Friends

Share your own customer images

Search inside this book

Start reading It's Your Ship on your Kindle in under a minute. Don�t have a Kindle? Get yours here.

It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy (Hardcover)

by Michael Abrashoff (Author) "MY FIRST INKLING OF THE SIZE OF THE JOB CAME AT 1:21 in the afternoon of June 20, 1997, after I formally assumed command of..." (more)
Key Phrases: beyond standard procedure, best damn ship, mess decks, Persian Gulf, San Diego, Master Chief Scheeler (more...)

4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (122 customer reviews)

List Price:	$24.95
Price:	$15.72 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
You Save:	$9.23 (37%)

In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.

Want it delivered Tuesday, July 14? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. Details

49 new from $8.00 90 used from $5.96 39 collectible from $7.80

Also Available in:	List Price:	Our Price:	Other Offers:
Kindle Edition (Kindle Book)		$14.15
Paperback (Reprint)			Order it used!
Audio Download (Audible.com)	$24.98	$14.98
Audio CD (Abridged,Audiobook)	$24.98	$16.49	29 used & new from $13.29

Best Value

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

Get Your Ship Together: How Great Leaders Inspire Ownership From The Keel Up

by D. Michael Abrashoff

4.3 out of 5 stars (10) $8.55

Commodore Ellsworth P. Bertholf: First Commandant of the Coast Guard (Library of Naval Biography)

by C. Douglas Kroll

4.0 out of 5 stars (1)

Getting Them to Give a Damn: How to Get Your Front Line to Care about Your Bottom Line

by Eric Chester

5.0 out of 5 stars (9) $13.57

The Coast Guard in World War I: An Untold Story

by Alex R. Larzelere

$28.50

Churchill on Leadership : Executive Success in the Face of Adversity

by Steven F. Hayward

3.7 out of 5 stars (14) $13.50

› Explore similar items

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Other than the sobering fact that real lives are regularly at stake, running a navy ship is a lot like running a business: leaders of both must get the most out of their crews to operate at peak efficiency and complete the tasks at hand. As commander of the highly acclaimed USS Benfold, Captain D. Michael Abrashoff irrefutably demonstrated how progressive management can succeed at sea; in It's Your Ship, he translates his methods into an approach that can also be applied by land-bound captains of commerce and industry. Describing "the ideas and techniques that I used to win my sailors' trust and, eventually, their enthusiastic commitment to our joint goal of making our ship the best in the fleet," Abrashoff cites embarrassing failures along with subsequent triumphs to illuminate the keys to his accomplished 20-month tenure aboard the guided missile destroyer. His suggestions: lead by example; listen aggressively; communicate purpose and meaning; create a climate of trust; look for results, not salutes; take calculated risks; go beyond standard procedure; build up your people; generate unity; and improve your people's quality of life. While hardly original on the surface, Abrashoff's course should provide practical direction and inspiration for any leader hoping for similarly positive results in similarly rigid organizations. --Howard Rothman

Product Description
"The most important thing a captain can do is to see the ship from the eyes of the crew." This belief has successfully guided D. Michael Abrashoff, the captain of one of the U.S. Navy's most modern and lethal warships. Abrashoff has revolutionized how to handle such challenging problems as excessive costs, low morale, sexual harassment, and constant turn-over. Business managers will benefit from Abrashoff's guiding belief that focus should be on empowering your people rather than on chain of command. By shifting organizing principles from obedience to performance, managers will be rewarded with remarkable productivity. As Abrashoff explains, the more people enjoy the process, the better the results. Good leaders listen to the people under their command-and use their ideas to improve operating procedures.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

Hardcover: 212 pages
Publisher: Business Plus; 1 edition (May 2002)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446529117
ISBN-13: 978-0446529112
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (122 customer reviews)

Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,639 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)
Popular in these categories: (What's this?)
#25 in Books > Business & Investing > Management & Leadership > Leadership
#57 in Books > Business & Investing > Management & Leadership > Management

Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?

Inside This Book (learn more)

First Sentence:
MY FIRST INKLING OF THE SIZE OF THE JOB CAME AT 1:21 in the afternoon of June 20, 1997, after I formally assumed command of USS Benfold. Read the first page

Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
beyond standard procedure, best damn ship, mess decks

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Persian Gulf, San Diego, Master Chief Scheeler, Pacific Fleet, Lake Champlain, United States, Level One, New Year's Eve, Secretary Perry, Naval Academy, Air Force, William Perry, Saddam Hussein, Middle East, John Rafalko, Level Four, Atlantic Fleet, Fireman Cotton, World War, Saudi Arabia, Vice Admiral Fargo, Arleigh Burke, San Francisco, United Nations, South China Sea

New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats

Citations (learn more)

This book cites 1 book:

In Search of Excellence: Lessons from America's Best-Run Companies (Collins Business Essentials) by Thomas J. Peters in Front Matter

8 books cite this book:

Ethics 101: What Every Leader Needs To Know (101 Series) by John C. Maxwell on page 82, and Back Matter
The Light of Conscience: How a Simple Act Can Change Your Life by Bill Shore on page 176
The 360 Degree Leader: Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization by John C. Maxwell in Back Matter
Becoming a Leader the Annapolis Way by W. Brad Johnson in Back Matter
Listening Leaders: The Ten Golden Rules To Listen, Lead & Succeed by Lyman K. Steil; Richard K. Bommelje in Back Matter

See all 8 books citing this book

Books on Related Topics (learn more)

How They Won the War in the Pacific by Edwin P. Hoyt

Discusses:

The Encyclopedia of Ships by Tony Gibbons

Discusses:

Power at Sea by Lisle A. Rose

Discusses:

What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	96% buy the item featured on this page: It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy 4.6 out of 5 stars (122) $15.72
	2% buy It's Our Ship: The No-Nonsense Guide to Leadership 4.9 out of 5 stars (8) $17.15
	1% buy Get Your Ship Together: How Great Leaders Inspire Ownership From The Keel Up 4.3 out of 5 stars (10) $8.55
	1% buy How The Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In 4.2 out of 5 stars (32) $16.31

Explore similar items

Tags Customers Associate with This Product

(What's this?)

Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.

leadership(13)

management(13)

decision-making(5)

navy(4)

business leadership(3)

american history(1)

autobiography(1)

biography(1)

boating(1)

business(1)

consulting(1)

See all 33 tags...

Help others find this product — tag it for Amazon search

No one has tagged this product for Amazon search yet. Why not be the first to suggest a search for which it should appear?

Customer Reviews

122 Reviews

5 star:		(93)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

Average Customer Review

4.6 out of 5 stars (122 customer reviews)

Share your thoughts with other customers:

Create your own review

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars HOW TO MAKE A BUSINESS GO AND GROW, February 10, 2006

By	Gail Cooke (TX, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME) (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

This review is from: It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy (Audio CD)

A new captain taking command of a ship is a ceremonial occasion. There's a reception, speeches, attendance by dignitaries, and the former commander is piped ashore. When Captain D. Michael Abrashoff took command of the USS Benfold on June 20, 1977 it was patently obvious that the crew was not at all sad to see their former captain leave. Abrashoff began to wonder if when he departed in two years the situation would be the same.

He well realized that he was totally responsible for the way the crew performed. But, how to do it without a company of unhappy men? As he points out being liked wasn't necessary but he did want to win his men's respect and trust. Thus, all would be more effective. The knotty question was how to do this.

In search of answers Abrashoff turned to some exit surveys, assuming that the main reason for leaving would be low pay. That was not the case at all. People left because they did not feel respected and they did not feel they had an impact on the organization. A low salary came in fifth as a cause for moving on. Abrashoff felt that he could apply these principles to his crew, and he did with stellar results.

Firstly, he stresses the importance of seeing the ship through the eyes of the crew. He solicited suggestions and many times found them to be extremely helpful. Communication was also high on his list as well as instilling in the men a sense of importance in what they were doing.

The payoff for captain and crew came not only in huge cost savings but also achieving the highest gunnery score in the Pacific fleet.

Abrashoff posits that what brought extraordinary change and success aboard his ship can do the same for a business. You'll be a believer after hearing his suggestions read in his own voice, one that speaks clearly, without hesitation, and with authority grounded in proven experience.

- Gail Cooke

Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)

33 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Your Ship, My Story, June 23, 2003

By	Roger E. Herman (Greensboro, NC USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)

This book and its author have received a lot of media exposure, so I decided to check it out. While Abrashoff espouses proven leadership techniques, the only really new learning is how one man applied the principles on a Navy ship with a complement of 311 sailors. This is more a story of one man's awakening to how leadership is considerably more effective than management; how getting out of people's way is wiser than micromanaging them.

Leadership is emphasized in the book, and in every endorsement quote on the back cover. Yet, the subtitle says "management techniques," not "leadership techniques." Leadership did not come easy to Abrashoff; he had a lot of learning to do...and undo. As he moves through the chapters, this retired Navy Captain talks about his experiences in leading by example, listening, communicating purpose and meaning, creating a climate of trust, focusing on results, taking calculated risks, building people and unity, and strengthening quality of life.

Good leaders can tell you all about these concepts and how they are applied in their organization. Aspiring leaders and those who have not yet seen the light will be awe-struck by what Abrashoff accomplished. Solid, experienced leaders will see this book as more of a case study and a reinforcement of what they're already doing. As I have observed today's military leaders-as a citizen and as a consultant who has had the privilege of working with military leaders, the "system" is not as counterproductive as the author would lead us to believe. Bureaucracy is still bureaucracy, but Abrashoff is not alone in his practice of leadership skills.

Abrashoff applied leadership skills on his ship to achieve significant measurable results. I'm glad he documented his achievements so others might be inspired. I noted that he compared and linked his military experiences and perspectives to civilian applications. Through relationships with Fast Company magazine and other organizations, this author is now giving speeches and probably consulting. This book and the attendant publicity could be viewed as effective tools to position him as a sought-after speaker.

In all fairness, while the leadership principles and anecdotes from the USS Benfold are certainly present, this book struck me as more of an autobiography of the growth of a leader. For a treatise about leadership and considering the title, I was surprised to see such heavy use of first person pronouns in the writing.

Company owners and senior executives will find the book valuable as a case study of one man's experience. Managers will learn principles and techniques that can substantially improve their performance. Some readers will feel reinforced; others will feel discomforted by the heavy sense of ego and rationalization. It's a shame that Abrashoff did not choose to stay in the Navy to effect those changes he says are so needed; instead he left the service to write a book focused on two years of his work and hit the lecture circuit.

Comment Comment (1) | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)

55 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars GOOD BOOK FOR YOUR FIRST MAJOR LEADERSHIP JOB, August 20, 2005

By	C. Davis (Hanover, MD) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I highly recommend this book. It has many specific recommendations and techniques that one can take and immediately apply to any leadership role. The book is well written and reads quickly.

However, think it is important to point out a couple of issues. First, the "by line" of the book lists "Captain" Abrashoff as the author. Yet the picture shows him as a "Commander", the next rank below Captain. While it is Naval tradition to call any Commanding Officer Captain, that does not change his actual rank nor does that officer get to keep being called Captain after they leave the Commanding Officer job. It seems to this reader that Captain Abrashoff is indulging in a little self-promotion (pun intended) to give his book a bit more credibility.

That brings me to the second point. Mr. Abrashoff is no longer in the Navy and has started a leadership and consulting business. This book is part of the marketing plan that supports that effort. It is a mistake to assume that he is a disinterested Naval Officer who just wants to share some good ideas that he has had with the larger public.

Third, while BENFOLD is indeed a great ship with a superb reputation, many of the accomplishments discussed in the book, such as passing the Final Examination Period early, happened in a larger context of changes in the Navy's training cycle. At that particular time, the emphasis was on allowing ships to complete the first third of the cycle (often called the basic phase) as early as possible. This was done so the Commanding Officer could use the remainder of the time and fuel allotted under the basic phase for training that he deemed important. So while Mr. Abrashoff did have quite a lot of success in early completion of training, the larger system was primed to support him.

However, despite all these exceptions, the book is extremely useful. As a career Naval Officer, I would recommend this book to anyone about to assume their first command, officer-in-charge, or executive officer billet.

Comment Comments (5) | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review

› See all 122 customer reviews...

Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book on leadership
I'm about 2/3 through this book at this time...it's an easy read, and has some very pragmatic suggestions regarding leadership.

Published 1 month ago by Shane Hale

5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone should read this book.
This book is very good and I recommend to all who are managers or looking to be managers to read this book. This book gives very good example of management skills.

Published 1 month ago by Jarred J. Case

5.0 out of 5 stars Modern Leadership and Change in Action
There are very few practical examples of a modern leader in action. The true story of Captain Abrashoff's remarkable accomplishment in transforming the USS Benfold from one of the... Read more

Published 2 months ago by Robert E. Levasseur

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for all leaders and managers
This easy-to-read, well written book illustrates, with clear examples, the mistakes most leaders make, as well as the methods by which they can resolve them. Read more

Published 2 months ago by rich bonn

5.0 out of 5 stars Should be required reading for C level senior officers
I can assure you we would not be in the mess we are in had the CEO's of our financial institutions and our U.S. auto makers read this puppy 10 years ago and acted accordingly. Read more

Published 4 months ago by John G. Vincent

5.0 out of 5 stars RIGHT ON THE MARK
For those of us starting a career in a leadership position, it is absolutely necessary to get the prespectives of many people. Read more

Published 6 months ago by Jose T. Peres

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Damn Book on Practical Leadership!
As a Naval Officer, I'm aware of the challenges presented by working within a system that is as rigid and traditional as the Navy, or any military institution for that matter... Read more

Published 7 months ago by J. M. Smith

5.0 out of 5 stars great book
My husband loves this book and the others by the same author. He bought a copy for everyone in management on his staff.

Published 10 months ago by S. Moledor

3.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining read, questionable value
It's an entertaining read, but I found the practical use a little lacking. He gives a few good examples and he knows how to tell a good story. Read more

Published 10 months ago by EvilGerman

5.0 out of 5 stars Common sense... not a common book
As a ten year Navy veteran, I was riveted to this book for it's common sense approach to leadership. Read more

Published 13 months ago by William H. Houff

› See all 122 customer reviews...

.jsOffDisplayBlock { display: block; } .jsOffDisplayInline { display: inline; } .jsOffVisibility { visibility: visible; } .jsOnDisplayBlock { display: none; } .jsOnDisplayNoneBlock { display: block; } .jsOnDisplayNoneInline { display: inline; } .jsOnDisplayInline { display: none; } .jsOnVisibility { visibility: hidden; } .jsOnDisplayBlock { display: none; } .jsOnDisplayInline { display: none; } .jsOnVisibility { visibility: hidden; }