IT'S YOUR sHIP
welcome aboard shipmates
You just heard, or are about to hear, Mike's powerful story of transformation. Check out this brief assessment to see where your strengths and areas for development lie. Take command of your ship and elevate your leadership potential today!
THE FOUR THEMES
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When we set out to break down the lessons from It’s Your Ship, we realized that leadership—like navigating the open sea—demands more than just technical skill. It requires ownership, people-first leadership, trust, and a lasting impact. That’s why we’ve organized the chapters into four key themes that capture the essence of Mike Abrashoff’s leadership philosophy.
These four themes aren’t just categories—they’re a leadership framework that will help you reflect, apply, and transform how you lead. So, as you listen to Mike Abrashoff’s insights, ask yourself, “Which theme do I need to focus on most? And how will I step up to lead my own ship? Click on each tab to review the four themes below. Next, use the QR code to access the Four Themes assessment to determine where you need to focus the most! |
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Ownership & Accountability
This theme focuses on taking full responsibility, making bold decisions, and steering beyond the status quo. Great leaders don’t wait for permission—they take command and create results.
This theme focuses on taking full responsibility, making bold decisions, and steering beyond the status quo. Great leaders don’t wait for permission—they take command and create results.
- Take Command (Ch. 1)
- Look for Results, Not Salutes (Ch. 7)
- Take Calculated Risks (Ch. 8)
- Go Beyond Standard Procedure (Ch. 9)
People-Centered Leadership
This theme reminds us that a ship is only as strong as its crew. When leaders invest in their people—leading by example, developing talent, and prioritizing well-being—they build a culture of commitment and high performance.
This theme reminds us that a ship is only as strong as its crew. When leaders invest in their people—leading by example, developing talent, and prioritizing well-being—they build a culture of commitment and high performance.
- Learn Real Leadership (Ch. 2)
- Lead by Example (Ch. 3)
- Improve Your People’s Quality of Life (Ch. 12)
Trust & Communication
This theme highlights the power of communication and trust. The best leaders don’t just issue orders—they listen aggressively, align people with purpose, and create a culture where everyone feels valued and heard.
This theme highlights the power of communication and trust. The best leaders don’t just issue orders—they listen aggressively, align people with purpose, and create a culture where everyone feels valued and heard.
- Listen Aggressively (Ch. 4)
- Communicate Purpose and Meaning (Ch. 5)
- Create a Climate of Trust (Ch. 6)
- Generate Unity (Ch. 11)
Sustained Leadership & Legacy
This theme is about what happens after the journey. True leadership isn’t just about the present—it’s about shaping the future. The impact of great leadership extends far beyond one ship, one mission, or one career.
This theme is about what happens after the journey. True leadership isn’t just about the present—it’s about shaping the future. The impact of great leadership extends far beyond one ship, one mission, or one career.
- Life After Benfold* (Ch. 13)
- Epilogue: Out of Uniform*
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In It's Your Ship, Mike Abrashoff reveals WHAT he did to turn USS Benfold into the best performing ship in the Pacific Fleet. The lessons were clear: leadership matters and culture is everything. Through Ship Happens, Stacey Cunningham will show you HOW to do the same for your crew.
Together, these books offer a powerful blueprint for leaders at every level to build a culture of accountability, innovation, and results-driven success. Mike said he wished there was a leadership playbook to reference when he took command of Benfold. Now, through Ship Happens, you can set your leaders up for success with the playbook Mike always wanted. If we can help your leaders and teams in any way, reach out to us today. |
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