Neurons 2 people skills superyacht blog - Latest Comments

Re: Superyacht owners – Captain & crew turnover

Simon Harvey — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 15:53:12 -0000

Joe,
Thanks for the feedback, and I so understand where you are coming from. It is much about meeting the right owner.

I do believe that a captain has to learn an owner's vision of ownership. An owner can have very different visions of what ownership looks like. Some want formal, others loose, some may have a hard time with being told what to do (this one is big for many owners), or want minimal contact with crew, or even to have a more family feel aboard. Without learning an owners vision it is hard to get alignment of crew or onwards engagement.

There are always going to be tough decisions to make as a captain but that is why, for the most part, it is a well paid position. I did once have to let an owner know that if he wanted to leave the dock when it was blowing an 8 that he would have to do it without me. He was not happy but the next morning with the blow gone, he soon forget the whole episode.

This is a very complex job as it involves some big personalities and a lot of money. Few business types/CEO's etc like to be told what they can not do, but sometimes you are going to have to find a way to. They are paying the captain to keep them safe and their yacht in one piece. There is always a way to get to where you want to get, but it takes insight into one's own strengths and stretches. With good self awareness you are far better positioned to understand others (owner) perspectives and find the best solution.

Wish you well in the job hunt and if you are at MYS in sept maybe we can meet. Have you ever done any personality or behavioral profile ?

Best,
Simon

Re: Superyacht owners – Captain & crew turnover

Joe Nomail — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 05:26:35 -0000

Dear Simon,

Many thanks for you reply and interesting feedback, I agree of what you say and sure we can have many hours of debating and give each other feedback. One last thing I would like to mention.
In this industry there are many leaders also professionals in their jobs like a purser, chef, chief engineer and the owner of which is the one who pays your salary. That means as a captain you have to follow he's orders. Many times I had be given orders where I could not agree, out of safety reasons or limited spaces or other situations.
Very short time ago that a captain has been charged for anchoring in the wrong space.. Who can be sure that this was not the captains decision but maybe the owner insisted? What I really like to say: it takes two to make a agreement but three same in reverse (disagreement) to make things happen.... Or screw things up.. Or have no choice and need to follow orders in the result to get fired over a denial.

Simon I hope I have the pleasure to meet you some day, at this moment I am searching a new opportunity on a yacht on the 40 Meter range, which is another challenge for me.
I n meeting the"Wright"owner/captain chemistry

My kindest regards

Joe

Re: Superyacht owners – Captain & crew turnover

Simon Harvey — Sat, 03 Aug 2013 14:30:17 -0000

Joe,

Thanks for the comment and I hear your issues. It can be very frustrating when as you point out, attitudes are not where they should be. That said I believe that it is a captain's responsibility to work hard to make a connection with their owner and crew. This may not be easy, but if captains want to engage their owners, learn their vision, and create a job where they are indispensable, it's imperative.

Some owners want to get away from having to make all the decisions, some will never let a decision go, while others are going to want to make some and not others. Part of a captain's job description is to figure this out quickly and quietly, otherwise you're going to be on the wrong tack from the start. This is why those people skills are so important, and

While these skills are not that difficult to develop it takes constant practice. There are many tools here that help people understand their own personality, behavior style, management and leadership styles (self awareness). And a good foundation of self-awareness is imperative for good communication. Otherwise it can feel a lot like using a hammer for a screwdriver. You may get a job done, but it is not going to be pretty, and sooner or later there is going to be a mess.

Interpersonal/communication skills are not going to suddenly become null and void. Upping your own personal development is just common sense. If people are having a hard time with crew agents these type of skills will pay dividends. Crew turnover reflects on the captain, crew are looking for leadership (whether they know it or not), for motivation, engagement and vision. If captain's are not going to give this, then crew are not going likely to give much in return. Sounding like turnover !

Ultimately the only way the industry grows (more jobs), is to keep owners that are in the industry very happy, while raising the bar on professionalism, service, management and leadership. There are some great crew out there and some great captains, and a bunch of awesome owners that have a lot for all superyacht crew to lean from.

Working on large yachts is a privilege, there is no need for these yachts, it is a personal choice to have one and spend the massive amounts of money to keep them running.

I think you bring up some very important points, and hope others will follow your lead.

Re: Superyacht owners – Captain & crew turnover

Joe Nomail — Sat, 03 Aug 2013 07:06:40 -0000

Hello Simon,
With big interest i was reading your article, i agree, but think many people forget about the chemistry from owner to captain to crew and this is where the trust is build in my opinion. Today it is all about money, i have not meet many owners unfortunately with a great attitude towards captain and crew, same many captains i believe have a big attitude problem towards crew but also the other way round. Go Further how to find a "suitable" job i believe many crew agencies fail in doing a proper research no one is really talking, just checking the usual question they like to hear but not getting into the personality... Time is money...we all loose but not really winning.

Regards
Joe

Re: Group Culture Relationships and Superyacht Crew

Farid Hasan — Fri, 10 May 2013 11:05:02 -0000

I am Able seaman from Bangladesh.