Turn The Ship Around!: A Captain’s Guide to Creating Leadership at Every Level

A few months ago, I introduced you to David Marquet, in a post entitled “Good to Great (A Submariner’s Profile in Empowerment)” (if you haven’t read that post, I highly recommend that you do).  David is now the author of the forthcoming book, “Turn The Ship Around!: A Captain’s Guide to Creating Leadership at Every level,“ which is being released on August 1, 2012, and is presently in its pre-release promotion.  I have been in regular contact with David, in lieu of the book’s publication.  I have asked David to provide an excerpt to be shared with the audience of this blog.  David has graciously accepted my invitation, and today I am starting a series of posts featuring David, his philosophies on empowerment and his new book.  Today’s post features details about David and the book.  Forthcoming posts will feature excerpts from the book.

About David Marquet –

A proven practitioner and innovative thinker, David graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1981, and led a distinguished 28 year career in the United States Navy’s Submarine Force, serving on submarines in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.  He commanded the nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763), stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and completely turned around the boat.  Under David’s leadership, the crew went from being “worst to first.”  The USS Santa Fe earned numerous awards, such as the Arleigh Burke Award for being the most improved ship in the Pacific, as well as the Battle “E” award for most combat effective ship in Submarine Squadron Seven, and for retention excellence.  David’s bold and highly effective leadership techniques emphasize process over personality and empowerment over ego.  Noted author Dr. Stephen Covey rode USS Santa Fe and discusses one of Captain Marquet’s leadership practices in his book, The 8th Habit.[i] [ii]  David’s message inspires the empowerment of engaged people and leadership at all levels.  He encourages leaders to release energy, intellect, and passion in everyone around them; to develop leaders not followers.

David is also the founder and President of the consulting firm Practicum, Inc., and creator of the blog Leader – Leader (Leader to Leader).

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Overview of the Book “Turn The Ship Around!: A Captain’s Guide to Creating Leadership at Every Level” –

Written by the commander of a nuclear submarine. When he assumed command of the USS Santa Fe (SSN-763), a nuclear submarine plagued by poor morale and even poorer performance, the author accepted the greatest management challenge of his career. Adapting business leadership techniques for the close confines of the huge underwater craft, Marquet dared to break the U.S. Navy’s traditional leader-follower model and instead created his own leader-leader model among the crew. Readers share the commander’s insights and risks as he revolutionizes standard operating procedures by allowing his subordinates to assume responsibility for everything from clerical tasks to crucial war-gaming decisions.

Practical steps to astounding results. The exceptional naval officer explains how to adapt the leader-leader model for any organization, including specific mechanisms such as these:

•    Use guiding principles to enhance clarity
•    Repeat the message continuously and consistently
•    Eliminate top-down monitoring systems
•    Begin with the end in mind

True stories from the high-tech military. In the tradition of Tom Clancy, the author takes the reader on board a nuclear submarine for a detailed look at the latest in arms and warfare technology. Readers ride along with the sub commander on crucial practice runs, nerve-racking inspection tours, and simulated encounters with the enemy. From navigation to rocket launching, Marquet reveals what it is really like to operate one of the most sophisticated machines in the American naval arsenal and the personnel obstacles he overcame to make his fast attack Los Angeles-class sub one of the best in the U.S. Navy.[iii]

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If you would like to order the book “Turn The Ship Around!: A Captain’s Guide to Creating Leadership at Every Level”, please visit THIS link at Barnes & Noble (BN.com).

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Excerpts of “Turn The Ship Around!: A Captain’s Guide to Creating Leadership at Every Level” –

Up Scope! (commandperformanceleadership.wordpress.com)

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Recommended Reading –

Good to Great (A Submariner’s Profile in Empowerment) (commandperformanceleadership.wordpress.com)

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[i] http://www.afcea.org/events/west/09/documents/MarquetDavid.pdf – The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association – West 2009 – Documents: David Marquet – Accessed 24 April 2012 – http://www.afcea.org/

[ii] “Practicum Inc. – About Us” – http://www.practicuminc.com/about-us/ – Accessed 24 April 2012 – Practicum, Inc. – http://www.practicuminc.com/

[iii] “Turn The Ship Around!: A Captain’s Guide to Creating Leadership at Every Level” – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/turn-the-ship-around-david-marquet/1109601391?ean=9781608323746 – Accessed 24 April 2012 – Barnes & Noble (BN.com) – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/