It's Your Ship Quotes

“It taught me not to give up on people until I have exhausted every opportunity to train them and help them grow.”
― D. Michael Abrashoff, It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy

“One complicating factor, which is going to take years to overcome, is that the Navy officer corps is composed overwhelmingly of white males, while the enlisted men and women include blacks, Latinos, Asian Americans, and other minorities.”
― D. Michael Abrashoff, It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy

“Perhaps the most malignant obstacle to forming a cohesive unit is also the U.S. military’s worst-kept secret: its inability to end racial and gender discrimination. Contrary to Pentagon hopes and hype, racism persists and sexual harassment is pandemic in nearly every military unit, land, sea, or air. In fact, this shouldn’t be surprising. The military, like any organization, reflects the larger culture of which it is a part. Treating people with dignity and respect is not only morally right, but also highly practical and productive.”
― D. Michael Abrashoff, It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy

“Sometimes things go right by accident, and you are left with the dangerous illusion that it was your doing.”
― D. Michael Abrashoff, It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy

“Finally, let’s all stipulate the winning leader’s first principle: Optimism rules. And the corollary: Opportunities never cease. The bottom line: It’s your ship. Make it the best.”
― D. Michael Abrashoff, It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy

“Benfold and then-Seaman Blaine Alexander of Texas. It was”
― D. Michael Abrashoff, It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy

“I chose my line in the sand. Whenever the consequences of a decision had the potential to kill or injure someone, waste tax-payers’ money, or damage the ship, I had to be consulted.”
― D. Michael Abrashoff, It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy