Your ship needs a good crew

I am always intrigued with what made people in ancient times leave the comfort of their homes to venture into the vast, unknown and dangerous water filled mass that are the world’s oceans. How these people made wooden structures and decided they would just go and see what is on the other side is simply amazing to me. I know we have progressed in the technology we have employed in the water vessels built these days but the sea is still as vicious as it ever was. Seeing these massive modern ships being tossed around by gigantic waves makes you wonder how the sea explorers of yore handled their voyages back then.

I have found myself watching a number of seafaring-themed movies over the last few months and they have been very insightful and entertaining. Three of them come to mind: All is lost, Master and Commander The Far Side of the World and GreyHound.

All is lost is about a lone middle aged man who is on a small boat in the middle of the ocean.
The small boat goes through a lot of challenges: it hits a floating abandoned metal cargo container and is ravaged by large waves in tempestuous storms. The internal strength, ingenuity and skill of the man to repair, ,make navigation decisions and simply survive is impressive even as all the boat’s systems breaks down and he loses all communication with the outside world. The boat eventually sinks and he is saved by a container ship just at the brink of death. Even the most skilled person can become overwhelmed without a team to support, advise and relieve them.

Russell Crowe stars in Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World as the Captain whose ship has to go against a faster, stronger rival warship. His leadership is admirable but their success is hinged on the skill, discipline and trust of the crew. From the surgeon who keeps people alive, the cook who ensures there is nourishment to the deckhands without whom the ship wouldn’t be sailing, every role is critical. Even when all seems lost, it is the crew’s morale and unity that are the difference between victory and defeat. The captain is a strong pillar of the ship but his vision is nothing without the capable, cohesive team to execute it.

Tom Hanks leads in GreyHound as a naval serviceman who is leading a convoy of Allied ship across the Atlantic in World War 2. Despite his vast experience, this is his first time in full control of such a mission. He is able to make split decisions under constant pressure where his crew’s precision, communication and trust keeps them alive amidst constant bombardment. Their success and speed under life and death moments depended on having the right people in the right positions moving with shared purpose.

You might be the leader of the company you work for or the owner of your business. The similarity with a ship is uncanny. You are venturing into the wild sea that is business and for you to make it through the rough storms; you need a good, qualified and motivated crew. They will make sure you are not alone in the dark moments and it is great to have people to celebrate with during the good times.

There is a lot of talk these days of doing life on your own; building on your own skills, resilience and strength. That is all good but you are a human and you will not always be at your best mentally, physically or spiritually. You will not always make the right decisions even when you know better. I know that personally and I believe you do too. If you have good people around you, you have a better chance at making it in this sea of life.

Bottom line is a ship with a good crew has a higher chance of making it to its destination in one piece. Your ship needs a good crew.