Everything I know about submarines, I learned from A Hunt for Red October and Crimson Tide. But everything I know about turning a ragtag submarine crew that couldn’t get promoted into the highest ranking boat in the Pacific I learned from L. David Marquet’s Turn the Ship Around.
I have never read a book that so clearly took to heart both servant leadership and how to get would-be followers to become leaders. Every chapter is a gem, including the sets of questions at the end of each chapter, where the reader can pause for reflection. One of my favorites is around being a new leader and understanding the current crew. Marquet interviewed the chiefs and officers, starting with asking them about their people. Then he asked them a loosely structured set of questions like these:
- What are the things you are hoping I don’t change?
- What are the things you secretly hope I do change?
- What are the good things about Santa Fe (the ship) we should build on?
- If you were me, what would you do first?
- Why isn’t the ship doing better?
- What are your personal goals for your tour here on Santa Fe?
- What impediments do you have to doing your job?
- What are your biggest frustrations about how Santa Fe is currently run?
- What is the best thing I can do for you?
Want to get an overview of the whole book? Check out my extensive Twitter thread:
Let’s read a book together!
— Abi Jones (@jonesabi) July 5, 2019
This weekend we’re going with a military theme.
Turn the Ship Around! A true story of turning followers into leaders
The author is L. David Marquet, a retired Navy Captain.
The forward is by Stephen Covey. Yes, that Covey. pic.twitter.com/IRxYDY3Jwx
Book: Turn the Ship Around! A True Story of Turning Followers Into Leaders
Author: L. David Marquet
Buy it: Bookshop Santa Cruz // Amazon // Google
