Retention of his sailors makes Abrashoff change his leadership style. He believed that “command and control” style would not work well on making sailors to stay happily in the ship. He found that redemption could play an important role on preventing sailors to leave the navy before their term ended and convincing them to stay favorably. Moreover, he discovered it is significant that he has to redeem himself before he can effectively redeem his subordinates. In another word, he has to refrain himself from using the legitimate power, the 225 years old leadership style “command and control”, in order to transform the negative mindset on staying in the ship of the sailors to the positive mindset.
2. According to Abrashoff, what makes a good leader?
Per Abrashoff, it is a mistake to use “command and control” leadership style to become a good leader. To be a good leader it is very important for a leader to be approachable and carefully listen to his subordinates’ idea and opinion, regardless of who they are, and follow them if needed. In addition, a good leader provides his people with clear vision and direction, and motivates them by making them realize their roles and responsibility are important to the team as a whole, instead of totally commanding and controlling them.
3. What did he do to change his style?
He changed his style by starting intentionally listening to his crews rather than just giving orders. He implemented a crew’s idea if he thought it is good and makes sense. Moreover, he met one on one with each and every sailor to get to know them. It is because once he knows and respects a person it would help him not to ignore the person’s speaking. Also, by getting to know them individually would make them feel that he’s more approachable when it comes to comments or ideas for the innovation or improvement.
4. Do you think redemption is possible for everyone?
His