Customer Reviews:
 Timeless wisdom in leadership August 13, 2008
Faure Marvin (Divonne, France)
As an ex-Naval Officer, now consultant in leadership, I couldn't pass this book by.
For many people, "military leadership" means strict hierarchy, shouted orders and unquestioned obedience. This book sets the record straight.
The times when shouted orders are necessary are actually few and far between, and unquestioned obedience is earned by mutual respect, patiently built over a long period of time. The book is particularly striking for the emphasis placed on earning that respect, and for the warning against the abuse of power.
In organisations today the abuse of power is usually called "ego" and overbearing managers are referred to as Alpha males. Such behaviour remains unfortunately prevalent in the workplace and is the source of much harmful stress.
In the words of Admiral Willis, Second Sea Lord, writing in 1944: "Do not forget that it is within your power to cause considerable mental anguish to your younger officers by a consistent tone of sarcasm and contempt... and what is worse, nobody is going to tell you about it. In all officers, but above all in Commanding Officers, the words Officer and Gentleman should be entirely synonymous".
The book is full of good, specific advice for people in leadership positions. This advice remains as valid in organisations today as it was in the wartime Royal Navy in 1944.
Here is one example:
"You must look upon your talks with your men as one of the most important things you do. An intelligent man wants both information and inspiration. Work out exactly how to say it beforehand. If Winston Churchill has to rehearse all his speeches, there is no reason why you should not. Explain all you can, giving praise where due."
To get the most of the book, you will nevertheless need a minimum of interest and sympathy for the conditions of life at sea in a warship. At only 3.99, you don't have much to lose!
Nostalgic, Capturing and Practical! December 22, 2007
Nicholas Dufton (Staffordshire, England)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
To start with, wow! What an insight into the 1944 Navy, it reveals aspects which intrigue and surprise. It's amazing to see how elements of the naval ships then still live on in the modern navy today. This book is a must have for any person/persons wishing to join Her Majesty's Navy, like me. To have read this book reassures, but also helps you to understand where a leader comes from, just exactly how to lead and how to be successful.
It's got every eventuality in it with a guide on how to deal with said event. It's also amazing to see how valued the knowledge was, you weren't allowed to share any of it's content with anyone you suspected not to have read it!
It's detailed images and traditional structure create a book which captures your imagination, and it allows you to envisage, to a certain extent, what it was like to serve in 1944.
A must have book, especially if you wish to join the navy today!
A Gem - relevant for leaders and for all naval officers today October 16, 2007
L. E. May (Camden Town, London, England)
15 out of 15 found this review helpful
This little book is indeed a gem. Not only does one salute the writers for their incisive advice to Royal Navy officers in a time of total war, this book makes clear the steep learning curve of those many civilians who became sea officers in World War II. The introduction begins with a lovely quotation from some time RNVR officer Sir Alec Guinness.
But this is more than a document - rather, a collection of documents - of war history. It is a pocket-book that will be instructive for naval officers, of any nationality, even today. Anyone who has had sea command, indeed served in a warship, will enjoy reflecting on chapters entitled "Your Ship", "HMS Duncan - Captain's Orders" and "The Home Fleet Destroyer Orders". Those in the sick bay might not so much enjoy the two chapters aimed at Medical Officers at sea in wartime!
Any naval rating who has been a defaulter will be interested to see the advice offered to investigating officers (too late to request 'to state a complaint' now, though!) and the final chapter, on "Mutiny in the Royal Navy", is a lesson for all time.
The section on leadership is just as relevant today, perhaps moreso, and is not just for naval officers; the advice should be read by anyone in a leadership role, whether in the armed forces or civilian life. Those who have served in the Royal Navy, as well as other services, will surely nod in agreement as they read "Never forget that the Ratings have few rights; but they definitely have got a right to good Officers", and "Do not despise advice tendered to you by your subordinates", as well as "There is nothing more irritating to a sailor than to be addressed as 'You there' or something akin to that. He likes to know that he is known by name." At this price, I'd wager that this is one of the best value books on leadership on the market today - the basics are timeless. There are indeed good lessons from history.
For those with an interest in family history, with ancestors or relatives who served in the Royal Navy, this little volume will certainly give a good idea of the responsibilities of naval officers and of life in the Royal Navy. Although the book cover states 1944, it could just as well read 1964, 1984 or, perhaps, 2004.
Finally, a delightful idea. It is time for me to thank, albeit belatedly, some of those sea captains and other officers who shaped my naval career and, indeed, life. An inscribed copy of this book is ideal to give as a token of gratitude, as a salute, to those fine naval officers (now all, dare I say, rather old sea dogs!). Aye aye, Sir!
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