The Agenda Grassroots Leadership

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The Agenda- Grassroots Leadership
The Benfold
By Polly LaBarreFast Company issue 23, page 114
Slides developed by OA301 groups thanks to
Monique M., Mike S., Conrad S., Chantelle B.,
Stephane F., Melanie L.
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Commander D. Michael ABRASHOFF

• A successful career
•     
• Sterling service record
• Combat experience
• Prestigious posts in Washington DC
• Built the Benfolds reputation as the best ship
  in the
• Pacific fleet (Spokane Trophy)
• Worked at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems
  Command
• New beliefs and innovative practices

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How did Abrashoff accomplish this?

• Dont just take command- communicate purpose
• Met all his crew members, got background
  information and used it to try and improve his
  little piece of society.
• Does every manager have this opportunity?

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How did Abrashoff accomplish this?

• Leaders listen without prejudice
• Encourages communication and tries to use as much
  of their input as possible.
• Minimize demoralizing and unnecessary tasks.

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How did Abrashoff accomplish this?

• Practice discipline without formalism
• Made staff comfortable with his commanding
  position while still inviting honest
  communication.
• Respected his position but were not afraid to
  speak up about their ideas.

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How did Abrashoff accomplish this?

• The best captains hand out responsibility not
  orders
• If you are responsible for your actions then you
  take more pride then if you are just told to do a
  set of tasks.
• Able to learn from your mistakes.
• Increased ship efficiency because each member had
  learned their job without going by the book.

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How did Abrashoff accomplish this?

• Successful crews perform with devotion
• Improved morale by making a few small but
  necessary adjustments to life on board.
• By showing that he cared the crew was willing to
  reciprocate the favour.

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How did Abrashoff accomplish this?

• True change is permanent
• They could see how their contributions were being
  used to change some aspects of the navy.
• People on the ship were happy so even when
  Abrashoff left the changes remained.

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The Aftermath

• Author and Business Consultant