Teamwork

As Christmas is fast approaching I thought I would write about teams on board during the festive season. Many people are far away from their loved ones during a very special time, when families come together, faults are forgotten and forgiven and we reflect on the passing year and look forward with hope for a year to come.

All human beings share universal need for security, community, charity, authority and respect. It is worth remembering that people serving on board of ships have the very same needs as the rest of us ashore.  

While expressing words of gratitude and appreciation to those who serve at sea is extremely important, I wonder what shipping companies are doing beyond words?

I know that some companies offer additional victualling rate, so Christmas dinner is more special than usual meal on board, some companies sent personalised small personalised gifts on board, but is there a possibility to do more? 

I wonder how many leaders think about visiting their crew on board during Christmas time. I appreciate logistical challenges, but if the ship is in near proximity, maybe it is worth spending some time with those on board. To listen, is to learn. To learn is to understand. Visiting the vessel is always a great opportunity to meet the sea going team, but especially so when it’s done during Christmas time.

Christmas offers the perfect opportunity to drive the message of real unity and gratitude. It is a good time to pick up the phone and call a few vessels to wish them Merry Christmas and to say thank you.

It is the time to talk about mental health and to create a support network for those who may struggle with being away from their loved ones.

it is the time to reflect on Company values. It is a good time to remember that as business leaders we have an obligation to create both profit for investors and value for society. It is time to drive this message to the teams ashore and on board and take a greater care about people.

It is vital to work as a team; the achievement of individuals is amplified in teams. We often compare team at work to togetherness of sports teams. However due to the complexity of how seagoing teams are put together, it is more challenging than that, yet we can apply some principals and below are suggestions which can be shared and used by leaders on board:

1. Know each member's strengths and weaknesses. Knowing what we are good at, and knowing what we are not good at.
2. Be clear about performance goals. Verbalise them. Don’t assume that every person on board is aware what is expected of them. In general terms, ranks help, but it is extremely helpful when senior officer clearly addresses tasks for the voyage, week, day.
3. Be clear about the overall purpose of the team. Set 2-3 overall priorities; be it safe voyage, no off hire, excellent service to charters, or others. By addressing a clear purpose, you help team to focus and bring better overall results. Don’t dilute it. Don’t set more than 3. 
4. Check on a daily basis, how the priorities are going to be achieved and what steps are taken.

• does everyone know what is expected from them?
• do they have appropriate skills, knowledge and tools?
• have the risks been assessed?
• is there room to modify approach if needed?

5. Ownership and Accountability -just like in the football team, it is a team performance that counts. While the team is there to support those who are not on top of their game every day, those who consistently avoid work, are disruptive and demoralizing for the team need to understand the impact it has on the rest of the group.

Christmas time is the perfect moment to bring unity on board and to remind everyone ashore and at sea that we all need to rely on each other, and by leaning in and supporting each other, the team will be stronger and team’s performance will be safer and more efficient. Spare some time for those at sea. Call them, think about how you can make this Christmas a little bit more special.

If you need any further pointers, if you don’t know where to start, do get in touch and I will help you, You can email me on: [email protected] 

Merry Christmas!

Stay well,

Joanna