It’s always the skipper's fault!

November 10, 2021

“It is always skippers fault!”

May sound bit harsh, perhaps even unfair but this doctrine simplifies all aspects of nautical life since humankind started sailing the seven seas.

Thinking back my 20+ corporate experience, often first resort had been to blame outside forces when things go wrong. Sometimes an innocent reflex, perhaps unintentionally, often out of desperation we are quick to look for excuses. Lack of resources, time, technology, processes, people. Pick one and move on with your career!

It has been only 5 months since I left my desk and took over the helm of my own sailboat and this simple rule change the way I think forever.

“It is always skippers fault”….How so? There is always only one to blame? Always?

By definition “skipper” is the master of a ship, the captain. In theory and in practice, the situation you, your crew and your boat is in, is direct or indirect results of your decisions and actions. Your preparedness, your strategy, your leadership, your communication, decision making and people management skills. So attempting to blame other forces or finding excuses becomes futile. Whatever it is comes right back to the master of the ship. There is nothing else or no one else to blame but the skipper.

Here are real life examples to help explain the phenomenon.

• “I told him seven times but my crew failed to follow instructions.” Skippers fault. Skipper didn’t make sure his/her crew was clear with direction and plan of action. And/or skipper failed with his/her crew selection.

• The weather forecast was incorrect. Skippers fault. Skipper should have an alternative plan in case weather turns.

• Anchor failed to hold. Skippers fault. Inappropriate ground tackle selection and/or failed to set the anchor properly.

• Some idiot collided with us, but I had the right a way. Skipper’s fault. Skipper failed to avoid collusion no matter who is at fault.

• Sink got clogged, battery went dead, got hit by lightning…skippers fault..skippers fault..skippers fault

Blame the technology, blame resources, blame people... Sounds familiar?….

The difference is, in this scenario no matter who or what you blame, it always comes back to you. With finding excuses disappearing in thin clouds, you find yourself completely exposed. What do you do? Pray? Hope?

This new mindset forces you to shift the way you think once and for all. A complete sense of ownership of your boat and your crew. You find yourself undertaking a massive responsibility but good news is, the mind shift is instant. After all you have no other option.

Perhaps out of necessity, the very best of you comes out and it doesn’t take much effort as in he/she was always there waiting for your call. The very best strategist, planner, decision maker, people manager, communicator and executioner - very qualities of a real leader. Because you know well if something goes south it is the mother earth you are dealing with not your boss.

About me: After 2 decades of service, my wife and I decided to take a break from our corporate careers. So we quit our jobs and bought a sailboat in Mediterranean. Although it may sound two different lives, fundamentals are similar. I am now in charge of a vessel instead of a department; have a crew instead of a team and report to Mother Earth instead of a boss.

Follow our adventure

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#realleader #leadership #sailing

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Kivanc Aslaner Owner Skipper Sr Navigator Sailing Vessel Sea Bee