Invisible Leader

A former boss of mine, a commanding officer of a U.S. Navy warship, was someone I would classify as an invisible leader. Well, now that I write those two words, invisible manager may be more appropriate for this person. Regardless, he led from his stateroom, via email, for the most part.

This Naval officer rarely left his stateroom in port and while underway, could be found on the bridge only when his presence was required. While in his stateroom, his door remained shut and he actually had specific hours when he should not be disturbed (during the work day, if you can believe that). When you had to disturb him, he always had his nose in a newspaper or book and he seemed irritated that you violated his "Do Not Disturb" time.

Most tasking from him came via email. It is fair to say that he had a handle on the physical status of his ship, but he had no clue about the pulse of ship; the crew. He did not know people's names or even that one of his junior officer's was getting married over the holidays.

He seemed competent enough; he knew engineering and combat systems and he was a decent ship handler. What he was not was a leader. Him, paired with a substandard executive officer, and you can imagine the morale on this ship. Rock bottom.

He was not very keen on face to face communications and he definitely preferred email. From my perspective, the crew resented him because they rarely saw the guy.

I believe a leader should be seen. He/she should get out on the deck plates and feel the pulse of the crew or organization. Employees (Sailors especially) are proud of what they do, and when they can show the captain, that can really make their day, especially if they receive an attaboy.

Just another lesson learned of what not to do.