It's Your Ship

Evaluate Abrashoff’s criticism of the top-down command style of leadership. Does he effectively make the case against it in the book? What possible counterargument could be made? Use real-world examples in your response.

Abrashoff believes that the way to properly keep his crew’s ego in check is to lead by example and keep his own in check. To what degree is this practical advice? Explain.

In Chapter 6, Abrashoff says, “trust is a kind of jujitsu: You have to earn it, and you earn trust only by giving it” (74). As a leadership strategy, what is the risk in affording trust to an underperforming team? Is his approach naïve, or is it the correct way to begin a new leadership culture?

In Chapter 10, Abrashoff editorializes when he discusses the value of in-person communication in contrast to electronic communication, especially when providing compliments. Evaluate the accuracy of his commentary using evidence from secondary sources and real-world examples.

Abrashoff states, “In the business world, there is a myth that women have achieved equality, when in fact a great deal of subtle harassment and discrimination still exists. Men resent competing with women for their jobs. In society at large, we have disturbing cultural trends, such as superstar rappers who advocate violence against women. I think we can all learn from Benfold’s experience” (196). What are some incidents of gender discrimination Abrashoff discovered on the Benfold and how did he deal with them? Do you agree that women face discrimination in society as a whole? Use evidence from reliable sources to support your argument.

Evaluate Abrashoff’s approach to dispelling the discrimination and racial tensions that were present prior to his arrival as commander, specifically his belief that a leader should focus on unity rather than diversity. Do other texts on leadership support this view? In what ways is his approach to these issues similar to and/or different from larger efforts to foster workplace diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB)?

In Chapter 11, Abrashoff says, “Obviously, there are some jobs that women physically can’t do, but those are relatively few—and, truth be told, many men can’t do them either” (194). What does he mean by this statement? Does it reinforce or contradict his other messages about gender equality?

Compare and contract It’s Your Ship with another book on military leadership, such as Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win (2015). Do the leadership strategies in this book align with Abrashoff’s? How are they different, and what accounts for these differences?