7 Lessons I Learnt from: The Last Ship

Serendipitously, The Last Ship popped up on my Amazon Prime couple of weeks ago. It caught and held my attention due to its eerie resemblance to the pandemic we are all battling right now. Season 1 and 2 are totally about that...I was hooked. Ended up watching all 5 seasons! Here are 7 lessons I've learnt:

1. Mission is sacred - Once you have sworn yourself to a task, a target, an adventure, a project; then let nothing stop you. Bring your training, your belief and your passion to work for and with you. These give us the momentum we need. Throughout the series, when Commander Tom Chandler and his team are faced with unsurmountable odds, heart wrenching choices, do or die decisions, they steadfastly take the path needed to make the "Mission" happen. Every single time!
2. Value your values - There will be collateral damage. Mike Slattery; executive officer Nathan James, then the CO of the ship and finally as Chief of Naval Operations, was often faced with making tough decisions, especially when information was scanty, direction from command unaccessible. He along with the entire crew of Nathan James consistently leaned towards their values of discipline, trust, inclusion, honour, and courage to make decision. Value your values for they are your lighthouse amidst rocks and rocky waters.
3. Have your teams back - Always! Many a times, we think it is only a leaders job to give us the cover fire. Not so, is what we learnt from Danny and Travis and Sasha and Burk. They were the frontrunners, the one's first to sail and stride right into the heart of danger every single time. Their trust in their team is stuff that legends are made of...One look, one sign, one step at and from each other is all it took for them to put their lives at stake knowing their comrades have their back. Words we use for this at work are: collaborations and trust. Let's believe in them. Then act in accordance.
4. Persistence pays - Rachael Scott was a shining example of it. A scientist on an impossible mission, racing against time; in her quest to find the vaccine for the virus, pursued even when many brave hearts would have given up. She barely had any resources. But had limitless resilience. Many a times, being a "Phoenix" helps. Resurgence and resurrection from defeat is armour of the brave. We will all take tough knocks, but the speed and agility with which we bounce is what really mattes.
5. Don't be a hero always - Self care is critical. We see that over and over again in all seasons. Master Chief Russ Jester wears multiple hats to help the crew through most troubling times. As a spiritual advisor, as a rock steady believer of faith and as a loyal liaison friend of the captain and the crew. We see Captain Tom Chandler leave the ship when he needed to heal himself from his traumatic memories, troublesome decisions and tumultuous times. It's ok to take time out, recoup and rise again.
6. Age does not define experience - Kara Green shows us that and how!. Donning many hats, agile and nimble she brings her intellectual and passion first as a crew, then Chief of Staff to the President and then in season 5 as the CO of Nathan James. In today's time, we are all learning at the speed of light. Let's remember these lessons, fill our cup of skills and knowledge for they will hold us in good stead. Get us to climb the life ladder faster, surer and more steadier.
7. Have a laugh - Tex teaches us how! Bravest of brave, he continually shows us his emotional side. Lightens the load of the ship's crew with jokes and has a fun story to share with all. Shining example of a tough nut who has learnt to balance his logic with his feelings. As a leader, it's behoveth upon us to smile even when going is tough, keep everyone sane even amidst chaos and stay true to their chosen path!

Signing off now, as I sail yonder. See you on the other side of the pandemic.