Turn the Ship Around!

L. David Marquet

Overview: US Navy Captain (retired) L. David Marquet tells the story of his command with the USS Santa Fe, a nuclear-powered submarine. Having prepared to command one of the flagship submarines in the fleet, he was blindsided by being assigned to the Santa Fe, known as one of the worst ships for morale, retention, and performance. By going against tradition and textbook leadership-followership model tendencies, he created an environment (he calls the “leader-leader model”) whereby all crew members felt ownership in the mission of the ship. This book gives specific steps he used, and explains the philosophy behind the steps, that resulted in nearly every objective and subjective measure improving to among the top in the Navy. In short, Marquet gives the secrets to his success with practical lessons and discussions on organizational control, technical competency, and organizational clarity. The book is wonderful for a book study with short chapters each ending in questions to ponder the lessons of the chapter, and occasionally including practical exercises to get at the heart of the matter in the reader’s own organization.