Captains' comments: building relationships
So often in this industry we hear the cry, “We must improve relationships” – but with whom? We talked to five superyacht captains and their colleagues to find out.…
So often in this industry we hear the cry, “We must improve relationships” – but with whom? We talked to five superyacht captains and their colleagues to find out.
Captain Mark Delstanche, M/Y Lady Nag Nag
Whether it be with the ports that we frequent, the suppliers we use or the shipyards where our vessels were built, not to mention the people who we work for and the crews we work with, the forging of good working relationships can often make our lives a great deal easier.
It doesn’t take much to be remembered for the right reasons, and just a word or short letter of thanks of appreciation for good service can often go a long way to getting something done more expediently when I next have to rely on those around me.
Conversely, ill manners or a bad attitude can often see you plummeting towards the lower end of the priority list which, let’s face it, is somewhere nobody wants to be when trying to provide for the ever-shifting sands of owners’ demands and is something that ultimately will make our lives a great deal more stressful.
Captain Mannie Avenia, M/Y Lady Duvera
Most times when a business relationship goes sour, blame is normally placed on one party for not completing what was promised or agreed, or for a misunderstanding, and that is where the problems start. In our case, it could be a lazy crewmember, an owner who does not pay the bills, an incompetent manager or a contractor that did not deliver the quality of work agreed upon for a project.
Firstly, we should look at the seriousness of this when it comes to the types of bonds between these people. As a captain, I believe that building a good relationship with the crew is paramount as we live and work together and the outcome of our efforts is strongly related to our performance and happiness in what we do.
Captain Marcel Busse, 70m motoryacht
The relationships forged are very important to our industry, as we shouldn’t have to keep learning how to do something but should already know it by now and be able to move ahead with stronger ties and trust.
Therefore, I believe better relationships, and especially trust, from our managers and owners’ reps is needed to move on to more important issues, which can ultimately save money and enhance the ‘yachting experience’.
Speaking from a personal point of view, I can say that longevity and time spent with the same owner has proven this to be a reality and that trust and a growing relationship helps to encourage performance.
Find the full article with additional and extended comments in issue 73 of The Crew Report – download here.
Captain Mark Delstanche, M/Y Lady Nag Nag
Whether it be with the ports that we frequent, the suppliers we use or the shipyards where our vessels were built, not to mention the people who we work for and the crews we work with, the forging of good working relationships can often make our lives a great deal easier.
It doesn’t take much to be remembered for the right reasons, and just a word or short letter of thanks of appreciation for good service can often go a long way to getting something done more expediently when I next have to rely on those around me.
Conversely, ill manners or a bad attitude can often see you plummeting towards the lower end of the priority list which, let’s face it, is somewhere nobody wants to be when trying to provide for the ever-shifting sands of owners’ demands and is something that ultimately will make our lives a great deal more stressful.
Captain Mannie Avenia, M/Y Lady Duvera
Most times when a business relationship goes sour, blame is normally placed on one party for not completing what was promised or agreed, or for a misunderstanding, and that is where the problems start. In our case, it could be a lazy crewmember, an owner who does not pay the bills, an incompetent manager or a contractor that did not deliver the quality of work agreed upon for a project.
Firstly, we should look at the seriousness of this when it comes to the types of bonds between these people. As a captain, I believe that building a good relationship with the crew is paramount as we live and work together and the outcome of our efforts is strongly related to our performance and happiness in what we do.
As a captain, I believe that building a good relationship with the crew is paramount.
Captain Marcel Busse, 70m motoryacht
The relationships forged are very important to our industry, as we shouldn’t have to keep learning how to do something but should already know it by now and be able to move ahead with stronger ties and trust.
Therefore, I believe better relationships, and especially trust, from our managers and owners’ reps is needed to move on to more important issues, which can ultimately save money and enhance the ‘yachting experience’.
Speaking from a personal point of view, I can say that longevity and time spent with the same owner has proven this to be a reality and that trust and a growing relationship helps to encourage performance.
Find the full article with additional and extended comments in issue 73 of The Crew Report – download here.
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