management and leadership

I found this book to be several cuts above most books on leadership, in spite of the fact that the author's only pedigree is his actual leadership experience. Granted, the leadership experience of a US Navy ship's captain is extensive, and fraught with the same problems that face any middle manager with hundreds of employees and a multi-million dollar budget. What captured my attention was the interesting, no nonsense writing style that frequently revealed the author's inner struggle with the leadership principles he espouses. This is the same quandary that I go through - I know and agree with the principles, but often I can't see a clear path to resolve a problem. I finished the book believing in Abrashoff's sincere desire to embrace the talents of those who were entrusted to his command.

I especially enjoyed the examples from Abrashoff's Navy career. Maybe its the fact that we're all a little more conscious of our military these days, but I read every real-world illustration with great interest, and I think others who read this book will feel the same way. If ever there was an organization in need of a corporate makeover, it is the US military, but Abrashoff gives us assurance that they have improved and will continue to improve in ways that are not inhibited by the chain of command. Well done, sailor!

This book was not read for pleasure. My boss stated I had to read it, because his boss thought it was a necessary read. After reading it, I have to agree that this book is a good leadership model for those people who manage people. Even for such a structured organization as the U.S. Navy, the author proves that working with your people helps the organization attain success. However, Abrashoff is just restating what corporations and other organizations learned in the 1980s. A proven way to satisfy your customers is to work as a team toward your organization's goals.
This is a great read. The author should be complimented about changing how his organization functioned on his destroyer. As I stated, this was only unique in the setting in which it took place. Most corporations have used for some time these principles Abrashoff talks about. That is why it is a little annoying to read all those I did this, I did that sentences in the book. Abrashoff worked in a team, of which he was the leader and the principles were well established. Abrashoff only implemented them in a military setting, rather than in a corporation.
The book is chalk full of stories about Abrashoff changing how sailors functioned on the Benford. It is a good read to reinforce managers stuck on doing things the same old way. It is also an enjoyable read.

I picked this up as I had been part of the Navy and was interested to see what Captain Abrashoff offered in Management philosophy. The reading turned out to be a great pleasure and an informative one. The techniques and processes he used, translate to different industry managements, not just the military. I am a CIO and have provided this book to the Managers of the department. Management techniques are not one time events, but need to be developed as part of the company culture, Captain Abrashoff's offerings are what we are trying to instill in our culture.