Rating: 
Summary: Fresh, Well Written Look at Timeless Leadership Principles
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: Benfold crew knows we're the best!
Review: I am a plankowner of the Benfold and admired Capt. Abrashoff's leadership. His superior leadership brought the moral of our ship from just ordinary shipboard life to a ship that many in the fleet wanted to become a part of. Our ship was a show-piece and we were proud to carry out his orders. What could have been a horribly desolate six months on deployment, including the holidays spent in the Gulf in 97-98, turned into a memorable experience for all, thanks to Capt. Abrashoff who even made UnRep a grand event! We learned from him that although we had a VERY important job to conduct, we were rewarded with pride in our accomplishments. Capt. Abrashoff was a very approachable Commanding Officer, an experience I had never encountered in the military and has been rare while employed with state government. He made an effort to see that his crew not only did their jobs exceptionally well, but that we enjoyed the festivities he provided for the ship while in port. I have read his fantastic book, reliving all the memories of my Benfold life and have used his leadership knowledge to become a successful professional in the "civilian" world. To the readers who feel Capt. Abrashoff is "arrogant" in his leadership style--I think if you had as awesome a ship as the Benfold to be a part of, you would be extremely proud of it and the leadership that made it such a fine place to spend a few years of your life.
Rating: 
Summary: Ignore the hype, look past the facade...
Review: After reading this book, I happened to ask the opinion of an very high ranking Navy Officer whom I am friends with. When I asked him his opinion of this book and Captain Abrashoff, his only reply was "He didn't make Admiral now did he?" Indeed. While reading this book, take note of the use of certain words such as I, me and my. I noticed a gross lack of the word we in this book. We as in us, the team, it was lacking. I'm sure Mr. Abrashoff ran a ship to be proud of however he lacks the hindsight to appreciate teamwork. It is in fact team work that makes a business run and run efficiently. This type of attitude is exactly what is wrong with American businesses today. The us and them mentality which separates management from peons is very evident here.
Rating:
Summary: Comments from a former Marine and current academic
Review: I just read Abrashoff's "It's Your Ship" and strongly recommend the book to managers at all levels and academics that teach Management, Organizational Behavior and Leadership. The author, Captain D. Michael Abrashoff - former commander of the USS Benfold, write in an engaging, easy to read style. The information he conveys is priceless. If you are concerned about productivity, profitability and opportunities for growth, the book is a handbook for success. Having spent many years in the "old Corps (USMC)", heavy industry and higher education, I, too, have come to reject the old fashioned and dysfunctional command and control approach to leadership. There is a much better model and it is well described and richly illustrated in this book.
Rating:
Summary: It's Your Ship, a floating leadership benchmark.
Review: Whether your organization is on dry land or floating somewhere in the Pacific Ocean, if your performance levels rely on human beings, "It's Your Ship" is a must read. In business, all too often the human element is overlooked. Human relations is generally reguarded as soft skills, which organizations do not value. However, it is my opinion and apparently Mike Abrashoff's also, that organizations have alot to gain by successfully implementing these so-called soft skills. The author, Captain D. Michael Abrashoff, teaches what he refers to as grassroots leadership. He uses behavior modification, empowerment, and team building techniques to transform a mediocre performing group into the best damn ship in the navy. A billion dollar naval warship is not the typical organizational setting. However, the author uses his experience as commander of the U.S.S. Benfold (a nuclear powered naval destroyer) to teach effective management skills to all who lead organizations on dry land. Abrashoff also teaches the importance of putting the needs of your subordinates before your own. Throughout the book Mike continually challenges the status quo for the good of his group.
The author describes a practical but all too uncommon leadership style that decentralizes authority and empowers people to make their own decisions. D. Michael Abrashoff is the kind of leader that we all want to have and to be. However, a lack of courage, resistance to change, and status quo keep many of us from attaining Abrashoff's level of leadership greatness. "It's Your Ship" offers the answers to the valuable managerial question of, how do you motivate employees to achieve high levels of performance. "It's Your Ship" is a truly inspirational story of how effective leadership can transform any organization into a high powered and high performing team.
Rating:
Summary: Practical Experience
Review: Captain D. Michael Abrashoff changed the way the Navy does business. He proved that by making the crew the team, his ship could outperform all the others in the entire fleet. While that didn't start as his goal, his leadership insights quickly spread throughout the US Navy based on the Benfold's operational performance. It's also a book about treating the members of the team as important contributors, and well as people. The book is about leadership, from a practical, reproducible point of view.
Rating: 
Summary: How to run a ship in the new U.S. Navy.
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book on Leadership
Review: Considering that I read at least 30 books a year alone on Leadership, it is nice to read one that is not only packed full of great ideas but also a pleasure to read. The author lived this story, unlike some who write from their ivory towers, and makes you feel you too can accomplish great things when you apply these simple, yet effective, tactics to your organization or team. Along with "Execution" by Bossidy, this is one of the better Leadership books out there. Also check out "Lincoln on Leadership" by Phillips for history and more great ideas.
Rating:
Summary: Realworld examples that help define real Leadership
Review: This an excellent book. Exceptionally written. Micheal Abrashoff provides real world examples that help define real leadership. Often times people try to line out what leadership is and fail. through his intriguing stories and comments we can get a better understanding of leadership through trials error in the real world.
captivating from the very first page. Being a person who is planning on joining the Navy,it has inspired to take pride in what I do and do my best to make the people around to the same. A MUST READ.
Rating:
Summary: This book deserves a salute
Review: This Navy captain is a no-nonsense guy and his words could help any manager. He lays out his leadership ideas clearly and concisely, without jargon and self-promotion. Learn how to bust bureaucracy, challenge conventional thinking (as well as your boss) and get to know your people. The author, former captain of the "best danm ship in the Navy," has a style that's infectious -- read this and you'll believe you can turn your team into the best damn team in your organization.
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