Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing – Albert Schweitzer.
The USS Benfold
When Michael Abrashoff took over command of the USS Benfold, he knew something had to change. While the ship had the latest technology in terms of equipment, those who manned the boat were sinking under “set in their ways” but outdated leadership models. Morale was low, and performance followed suit. Abrashoff observed that without the people who run it, a ship is just a hunk of steel. Within 20 months, the Benfold had gone from a naval embarrassment to the winner in combat readiness. How did Abrashoff do this? He knew that the people in the boat were key. One observation that Abrashoff made was that during a weekend cookout, the officers always cut ahead of the crew to get their dinner and then sat by themselves. When Abrashoff asked why this happened, the answer was simple: “It’s always been like this.” Abrashoff knew this outdated naval rule had closed the door to a vital bonding moment on the ship. Abrashoff didn’t send out an email, call a meeting, or discipline the officers. He took an action that started with himself.
It Starts With You
During the next cookout, he stood at the back of the line and interacted with the crew as he waited to get his meal. One of the officers approached and tried to convince him to cut the line, but Abrashoff didn’t budge. After he got his meal, he sat with the crew and ate together. At the next cookout, everyone waited in line and ate together. This minor adjustment, which brought a significant transformation, is referred to as “a quarter twist” by best-selling author Bob Goff. Through observation and setting an example, Abrashoff brought about change without relying on the typical command-and-control approach to leadership.
Being an example is a powerful and long-lasting approach to living a high-quality life. In my home, I’ve learned the power of my example with my children, as they tend to gravitate more toward what I do than just what I say. The saying, “what’s modeled gets repeated,” is a reminder that my actions create a lasting impression in my spheres of influence. Are there some quarter twist turns you need to make in your life by being an example? The alternative is to maintain the status quo, not rock the boat, and continue with the same old approach to life.
What have you observed that you think needs to change? Is it in your own life, or your relationships, or at your workplace? You can choose to complain, make excuses, or, like Abrashoff, you can be an example and make small but effective changes. The ship’s transformation was not immediate, but it eventually came. What areas of life need to start with you?
What’s modeled gets repeated
This Month
As we set sail for another month, the following posts will serve as a guide on our course to seeing significant life changes by making quarter twists and being an example.
Go Against the Grain – June 12
Do the Hard – June 19
Show Don’t Tell – June 26
Final Thought: We live in a world where our blind and deaf spots can numb us to areas where minor adjustments can create lasting change. Like Abrashoff, take time to observe, look at things from a different perspective, and decide to be an example by taking action to see change happen.
Keep on keeping on!
Discover Your Treasure 