A Happy and Efficient Ship - Management Simplicity

Guest post by: Martin Haworth
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7 Easy Tips For Better Communication at Work - By Martin Haworth

In the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London, England, there are many wonderful exhibits. None less so than the half a floor or so that is devoted to the Atlantic battles that took place during World War 2. The exhibits are enhanced by explanations and multimedia that explain what happened, as well as the character of the nation that was able to withstand the threat and provide magnificent men and women who were able to succeed on the open seas of the North Atlantic.

One of the exhibits shows a small - and highly relevant, even today - extract from the famous wartime movie, "In Which We Serve", starring (and written and directed by!) Noel Coward.

Upon taking up his command, he seeks advice from his new crew, what sort of ship would be needed for the forthcoming voyage.

One wag in the crowd pipes up, 'A happy ship, Captain.'

...and quickly another, 'An efficient ship, Sir.'

Coward repeats these two qualities back to them.

"A happy ship and an efficient ship. In my experience, you can't have one without the other."

Despite all of our modern naval (my apologies!) gazing, could it be that management is really that simple? Could it be that there is little else of importance than these two qualities?

Of course Coward is not discussing management today, yet he is idealizing the values that are required to make a successful voyage in very difficult circumstances.

Can you have a happy ship, without efficiency?

Well, if you try, my guess is that happiness evaporates as your people get annoyed and frustrated with the inefficiencies of others.

An efficient ship, without it being happy - is this possible? Well, maybe, for a while. As time goes on, the lack of happiness - which in itself is a symptom of a malaise - will lead to conflict. And that is no ingredient to have in the efficiency cake.

With efficiency and happiness, together, is this enough for a successful venture?

Well, in themselves, perhaps not - yet, when they are there, it's more than likely that there is enough of a base for every other quality to drive success to be enabled too.

Being efficient and happy at the same time will surely underpin any other values that the team needs for success.

Truth is, where you have both of these in place, you are much more likely to reap positive rewards. Not least because whilst you are focusing on just two things, your life as a manager becomes that much more easy.

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7 Easy Tips For Better Communication at Work - By Martin Haworth

About the Author: Martin Haworth

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© 2013 Martin Haworth is a business and management coach and trainer, working worldwide with SMEs & corporates and based in the UK. He has extensive experience in the delivery of one- and two-day training programs on a whole range of tactical management skills to be found at the workshops we do as well as supporting other organisations as a relaibel and resourceful associate. He is an expert on Family Businesses, helping business owners and their families effectively manage succession to future generations and balance the demands of family and other stakeholders with an effective focus on the business. To find out more checkout his website at Coach Train Learn!
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A Happy and Efficient Ship - Management Simplicity

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