I really enjoyed this book. If you can bring servant leadership to a U.S. Navy ship and be extremely successful than anyone can do it. It's a very inspirational read as you follow the ups and downs of the U.S.S. Benfold. ( )

Inspiring and enjoyably readable stories. If unconventional (yet strangely common-sense) management techniques can succeed in a weighty bureaucracy like the Navy, then surely we can make improvements in our corporations. ( )

I really enjoyed this book, both for its stories and lessons. Captain Abraschoff was a speaker at the ITIL conference in Orlando (Jan. 2003). He was the captain of the U.S.S. Benfold. When he took over command, morale was terrible, turnover high and readiness in the cellar. Within months, he turned everything around and won the Spokane award for the best ship in the Navy. How did he do it? First, he lead by example, listened to the crew and responded to the needs immediately. He made his ship indispensable to his boss and eagerly attacked the toughest missions. The crew responded and came to be so proud of their ship that nothing would deter them from accomplishing their goal -all while having a little fun. They had the loudest sound system in the navy and loved to blare rock music and show movies on the side of the ship during dangerous night refueling operations.

This book is well written and very inspiring. Capt.. Abraschoff does a good job of identifying the lessons he learned and pointing out his mistakes along the way. He makes suggestions on how to apply the principles to corporate life. It is a very entertaining and educational book. Highly recommended.

Jan. 28, 2004 Reread the book today. It isn't very long and is a very easy read. I enjoyed it as much if not more than the first time. I believe anyone who leads should read this. Not all the points may be directly applicable, but the concepts are worth experimenting with. I want to have a chance to use his ideas. I am going to put this book on a "to be read every six months" list. ( )

Very good book on leading groups of people. Everyone overseeing a group should read this book. ( )