D. Michael Abrashoff commanded the USS Benfold, a billion-dollar U.S. Navy warship. His first day of command nearly became his last. Due to an engineering error, the ship suddenly lost power as it prepared to leave San Diego Bay. Dead in the water, the 8,300-ton vessel could have incurred severe harm, including damage to its $5-million submerged sonar dome. Fortunately, its engineers quickly restored power and the ship sailed safely. Abrashoff vowed never to let such an occurrence take place on a ship of his again. Night and day, he and his crew practiced drills and procedures so they would be able to handle any situation or emergency. This intense training paid big dividends. The Benfold transformed itself from an engineering failure to - by U.S. Navy citation - the Pacific Fleet's best ship. Abrashoff's leadership techniques, which focused on helping his crew members become experts at their jobs, have parallels in every military unit and civilian organization. Abrashoff spotlights six superb leaders, both military and nonmilitary, and explains the 18 leadership lessons that enabled them to surpass their goals. getAbstract believes these tried-and-true principles can help you sail to your leadership goals as well.

This book was referred to me by an arson investigation instructor I once had. This book was unbelievable. It's not often that you read a book that is basically about management and employee motivation that you can't put down, but this is one of them.

There seems to be uproar about the use of "I" and "my" in Capt. Mike's books. There is no "WE" in military command. The rancid material that hit the fan when something fouls up stops at the commander's desk. The commander cannot say "WE screwed up", he has to step forward and take it on the chin. This is especially true in the U.S. Navy (see action reports on Navy vessels run aground).

Capt. Mike was in charge of his ship. He used the principles of teamwork and reward to get what he needed to accomplish - to have a top-notch war machine. He gives full credit to those in his command for their performance, and praises those who rose to the task.
That is exactly what a great leader does - and that is why Capt. Mike is a great leader.

As for relating back to his prior book - he does not ask you to buy it. Instead, he shares examples that he can relate to within his plane of experience. Much the way we do when we share third party experiences.

Skip this book. With the exception of Ward Clapham's story the book is exceptionally boring. I think what I disliked most is the Authors (D. Michael Abrashoff) constant comparisons of the leader he was writing about and his time in the NAVY. I would just be getting a good picture of Leader he was describing and he would ruin the feel by adding another "this one time on BENFOLD" story. Mr. Abrashoff, you did well on BENFOLD but it's time to find a new hook to hang your cover on!

Fantasic. The principals in this book should be followed by those who intend to lead or who are in leadership roles.