“I’m not your Dad, friend, pal, buddy or peer, I’m the Boss. I don’t give a damn whether you like me or not, but you will respect my rules and carry out my orders. There isn’t anything I’d ask you to do that I haven’t done myself. I’ll tell you the truth. I’ll never say anything behind your back that I wouldn’t say to your face. You’re here to work. I’m here to make sure the work gets done by the book and on time and to make sure we all get home safely and in one piece.” Capt Bill Brucato
A man I worked with long ago taught me a valuable lesson in leadership, he believed that a boss should set the example and demonstrate with his actions and behavior what “doing it right ” means. He didn’t worry about being a “good guy”, he worried about being a good captain. Whether that would have endeared him to his crew was not his primary concern. He knew that maintaining a high standard started with him. He was cordial and a gentleman, but he made it clear with his words and actions what he expected.
The times when a criticism or correction was required, he would take the crew member in question aside and “have the talk” privately, he wouldn’t embarrass the man publicly if it could be helped. The man didn’t have to “lose face” in front of his crew mates and the lesson could be imparted without the drama. If the talk failed to solve the problem, there was precious little room to argue with the decision for that man to move along.
It’s human nature to want to be liked, but being liked and being respected are two very different things when it comes to being the boss. I suspect it’s easier on a ship to maintain a professional detachment from the crew, but on a tug and barge unit there isn’t any insulation from the crew for the captain to really be above the fray. We only have seven crew members at best.
I’ve seen some hard-asses and some that try to be pals, but in the end both fail to garner the kind of co-operation needed for a really safe work environment. We all know having an asshole aboard makes for a long hitch and I don’t think it serves the team to have a screamer in charge. I think it reflects a lack of professionalism. If the Boss is calm and collected, the professional demeanor of the crew is set from the top down. The example is evident in everyone aboard.
If the boss is of the “do what I say, not what I do” school, he’ll surely fail to maintain order and organization on board. I think it defeats innovation and morale. Being “squared away” is more than boat-handling and general seamanship skills.
I only ask that the crew do their jobs to the best of their ability. If they need help or guidance then I will give what I’ve got. I’m not above getting down on deck to teach a new guy how to handle a line or set up the deck gear. I’ll be happy to explain what I’m doing and why after the work is done.
I don’t take part in practical jokes. I don’t want to know about the details of your love life. I’m concerned with your approach to the work and getting it done safely and on time. I’d appreciate a professional attitude.
Any questions?
Capt. Bill,
These are some words of wisdom for us young guys on our way up the hawsepipe. I’m on my first issue working crewboats on the west coast and have had an interesting transition from deck to wheelhouse.
I came up through the hawspipe and learned the “old school way” on tugs back east. Over the last four years I have made some enemies as Captain because my first priority is not being your “friend”. I try to lead by example and I expect my crew to put their work first, personal BS later!
Thanks for affirming the way I conduct business when onboard.
Chris Fawcett
Ps.
Any words of wisdom for a 200ton mate Near Coastal with an apprentice mates license. I’m ready to get back to my roots but, Steersman spots are hard to come by.
Chris, My first bit of advice would be to upgrade your ticket as soon as you have the seatime under your belt. Make that a Master’s ticket. The changes to the rules for licensing are looming on the horizon and you may find it more difficult later than sooner.
The only consideration that really matters at the end of the day is that the crew respects you as the boss because you show the confidence and competence necessary to get the job done and get everyone home in one piece. The one thing I don’t want to do is to have to explain to a man’s widow and children how he was lost because he wasn’t wearing the proper gear, or didn’t follow safe practices and procedures. Safety gear is useless if all it does is hang in the companionway.
I’d say we’re being the crew’s greatest friend by ensuring their safety and demanding their professionalism.
In the case of getting back to your roots; The east coast is subject to bargaining agreements by a few different unions. The best bet is to get in touch with the prominent union locals in the New York Area, UMD 333, Operating Engineers Local 25, and maybe SIU at Piney Point MD regarding membership and initiation fees.
Getting on deck again may be the best route to the wheelhouse, I know that’s not what you’d want but getting in the door would be the first priority. Talented and motivated people generally stand out and get considered by virtue of their determination and demonstration of their competence.
Good luck.
bb