1. IT’S YOUR SHIP Captain D. Michael Abrashoff
Presented by Claudia Lyster

2. Chapter 1: Take Command
Motivate team to work with passion, energy, and enthusiasm
See the organization through the eyes of the workers
“Is there a better way to do what you do?”
Try something new and bold
Be a team player and deal confidently with senior officials
Watch, listen, and learn
Get more out of your team and challenge them to step up to the plate
Create a climate that enables people to unleash their potential

3. Chapter 2: Lead by Example
People follow your example
Real leadership must be done by example, not precept
“It’s funny how often the problem is you”
You never know all the things you should know
Never forget your effect on people
Be there for your people
Leaders know how to be held accountable
When in doubt, go with your gut

4. Chapter 3: Listen Aggressively
See the organization through the team’s eyes
Establish personal relationships
Learn names of everyone on your team
Back your words with actions
Confidence is infectious
Language affects morale

5. Chapter 4: Communicate Purpose and Meaning
Articulate a common goal that inspires a diverse group of people to work hard together
Make your team think “we can do anything”
Keep talking
Open up the “clogged channels”
No matter how fascinating your message is, if no one is receiving it , you aren’t communicating
Open yourself up to criticism

6. Chapter 5: Create a Climate of Trust
You earn trust only by giving it
When the entire organization wins, everyone in it wins
Even the worst screwup may be redeemable
Help people recognize their strengths
Don’t shoot the messenger
Being the best carries responsibility
Be willing and ready to help out in any situation

7. Chapter 6: Look for Results, Not Salutes
Encourage your team to take the initiative
Help knock down the barriers
Let your team feel free to speak up
Don’t live your life with regrets
Team members take ownership
Nurture the freedom to fail
Innovation knows no rank
Challenge your team beyond its reach

8. Chapter 7: Take Calculated Risks
Someone who has never made a mistake is someone who has never done anything to improve their organization
Bet on people who think for themselves
No organization can rely on just one person
“It’s your ship, take responsibility for it”
Don’t ask permission, do it!
If a rule doesn’t make sense, break it

9. Chapter 8: Go Beyond Standard Procedure
Innovation and progress are achieved only by those who venture beyond standard operating procedure
Keep your priorities in focus
Learn from the success and failures of others
Stay ahead of the competition
Push the envelope for innovation
Volunteering benefits everyone
Don’t work harder, work smarter

10. Chapter 9: Build Up Your People
Build self-esteem
Never tear down a team, help them grow strong
Little things make big successes
Treat new people well
Watch out for jealousy and envy
Expect the best from your team
Make sure more than one person is trained to do a job well
Give constant feedback

11. Chapter 10: Generate Unity
Get members to work together for the good of the organization
Work for the good of everyone involved
Forget diversity, train for unity
Create a team of highly talented individuals that play as one
Deal out punishment strictly, but fairly

12. Chapter 11: Improve Your People’s Quality of Life
Instill fun into everything you do, especially the mundane, repetitive jobs
Socializing and relaxing provides an opportunity to boost team’s morale
In heavy times, lighten up
Take pride in your work

13. Chapter 12: Life After Benfold
“It’s your ship. Make it the best”
Optimism rules
Opportunities never cease
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
Improve your people’s quality of life