Sailors at the Office

Around a decade ago I participated in a couple of sailing races. I loved the competition and the adrenaline. Each race was a learning experience. The race sailing skill set that one acquires can be mirrored in everyday life. I also used them throughout my 30-year working career and would like to share them with you.

Be Prepared 

First make sure you are on board a sturdy boat adequate for the voyage. As crew we used to have the race briefing before the race where we will be informed of the route, weather forecast, ethics, logistics, communications, points system, penalty conditions and many more. The most important on top of this is the training. Know the boat…know the crew. Before starting a project or a new job, do your detailed research. Identify the objectives, the processes, who is involved, communication channels used, do research. If you are not well prepared there is a good chance you will not reach your objective or else will deliver beyond your deadline. In such case….. no line honours for you.

Body & Mindset

The mental and physical condition are important for any sport discipline. Positive thinking, concentration and visualisation are instrumental to develop the mental aspect. Nutrition education and fitness are then complementary to the mental condition. This is a culture that is gradually picking up in the corporate world. In the last company I worked for, NetEnt, they have the Health and Energy Team where employees where encouraged to keep physically active and trained to maintain the right mindset so one can face any circumstances with the right approach without triggering panic mode.

Compass & Stars

The direction towards your destination is a constant check while sailing and we adjust the course according to the winds. The compass and the stars will show us the way. The leader shall give his/her team concrete direction to navigate by. The team will feel reassured knowing where they are going and what is happening. The direction shall be clearly communicated and the team shall feel comfortable on what the leader wants, why it matters and what is expected from them.

Communication

While racing, communication is ongoing and it is vital. Nothing is taken fore granted. It is an open channel.  It is not only sharing of information but it is mainly connecting with people. The team will be more engaged, better conflict mitigation and becomes a better team.

Honesty

Although this is a given in any circumstances, in offshore ocean racing, honesty is one of the main pillars of the skill set required. When you are struggling massive waves, the team depends on one another not only to do what they have to do but their life is at stake. So be open and say how things are all the way. One needs to create an company culture that values honesty over perfectionism. Provide feedback to each team member without making them feel excluded when a mistake is done.

“Trust is knowing that when a team member does push you, they are doing it because they care about the team” - Patrick Lencioni

Troubleshooting

When faced with a problem, address it at once. Do not delay. Discuss and analyse all possible solutions and take the necessary action immediately. If you delay, it is very likely that the problem will amplify and the consequences maybe devastating. Once the solution is in place, recap to ensure that it will not repeat itself.

Positions

Each team member is assigned a specific role. Helmsman, trimmer, bowman, navigator etc. Everyone is a champion of that specific role and each role is connected to another. That does not mean that one would not be able to do another role. One needs to have a good understanding of all other roles. One never knows what will be required through the voyage. So champion your position but also be knowledgeable of others. This is beneficial for the individual and for the team.

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” - Henry Ford

Here is the skill set that I’ve put together that one requires:

• Be mentally and physically ready

• Be prepared

• Don’t delay - do what you can do today today

• Sort it out - you face a problem… solve it

• Play your role - champion your skill

• Adapt - be flexible and adapt for various scenarios

• Be Proactive

• Communicate

• Thick skin - do not take criticism personal

• Debrief

• Take ownership of the situation - be a leader in your own merit

• Check out competition

• Know your plan

I am very much in favour having athletes with a team at the workplace as they have strong skills based on discipline, honesty, hard work, team-building and target driven. Do look out for such skills when recruiting as they will make a difference. Plus a sailor can always take you around for a nice sail to relax or as a team building exercise. Save winds.

“A boat does not go forward if each one is rowing their own way” - Swahili Proverb