It's Our Ship: The No-Nonsense Guide to Leadership »

CAPTAIN D. MICHAEL ABRASHOFF is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and was a military assistant to the former secretary of defense, the Honorable Dr. William J. Perry. Abrashoff left the Navy in 2001 and became the founder and CEO of Grassroots Leadership, Inc., in Boston. You can visit his website at grassrootsleadership.com.

The story of Captain Abrashoff and his command of USS Benfold has become legendary inside and outside the Navy. By governing his ship with his unique management techniques, Abrashoff turned the Benfold into a model of naval efficiency, with amazing cost savings, the highest gunnery score in the Pacific Fleet, and a highly motivated and top performing crew.

In IT'S YOUR SHIP, he first demonstrated how to bring his successful management techniques from the ship to the boardroom. Now, in his newest book IT'S OUR SHIP, in the same rugged, can-do voice, Abrashoff will focus on the leadership, motivational, and management insights and tips that he has learned from his last six years of addressing business and corporate audiences.

Abrashoff's timely advice will be eminently prescriptive, and will feature anecdotes and insights from leaders of businesses large and small and from public and non-profit sectors.

Introduction     1
Ahoy!: Welcome Aboard Our Ship     9
Buoy Up Your People: Inspiring Everyone to Be Their Best     25
No More Aye-Aye Men (or Women): Cultivating Truth-Telling     57
All Hands on Deck: Unifying a Crew     79
Foul Weather Doesn't Respect Rank: Creating a Climate of Trust     109
Navigate by the Stars: Clarifying What It's All About     135
Sail Close to the Wind: Taking the Right Risks     154
Fly Your True Colors: Leading by Example and Getting Results     168
Epilogue     193