Frustration

Initial Perception and Curiosity

David Marquet arrives on USS Santa Fe with a blend of curiosity and anxiety, immediately noting differences from his previous experiences on other submarines. Unlike the Olympia, the Santa Fe is equipped differently and poses a unique challenge due to its design and his unfamiliarity with its specific systems.

Crew Interaction and Morale

Marquet observes low morale among the crew, who seem embarrassed and avoid interaction, reflecting their lack of confidence stemming from being labeled as the worst ship in the fleet. This environment highlights the critical need for leadership that can reinvigorate the crew's spirit and performance.

Approach to Leadership

Marquet’s approach to gathering information shapes his initial interactions on the Santa Fe: - He conducts physical inspections and reviews operational records but emphasizes understanding the crew and how they work together. - His inquiry is genuine; he seeks to understand the equipment and operations from the crew to build his own knowledge base, rather than testing the crew’s knowledge.

Reflective Inquiry

Marquet interviews chiefs and officers with a structured set of questions to understand their perspectives and gather insights on operational issues: - Questions revolve around what should or should not change, identification of ship's strengths, challenges, and personal objectives or frustrations of the crew members. - Through these interviews, he identifies several systemic issues such as administrative inefficiencies, delayed maintenance starts, low standards from junior officers, qualification delays, and lack of engagement in activities impacting both crew morale and operational efficiency.

Key Observations from Crew Feedback

Feedback from crew members unveils key issues and personal challenges that affect the ship's performance and morale: - Administrative processes are ineffective, causing delays and diminishing performance. - Certain crew members, such as FT Chief David Steele, express dissatisfaction with their career progression and the existing evaluation processes. - There are overarching concerns regarding recognition and reward for contributions to the ship’s mission.

Potential Shift in Leadership Focus

Marquet acknowledges his lack of technical expertise in specific areas of the Santa Fe's operations as an unintended advantage that shifts his focus towards the crew's expertise and interactions. This approach deviates from traditional command methods, focusing on empowering crew members and fostering trust before critiquing or demanding changes.

Questions to Consider

Marquet poses reflective questions that encourage a deeper consideration of leadership approach and engagement: - The importance of genuine curiosity versus a performative checking of competence. - Challenges in balancing technical versus relational leadership focus. - The role of organizational competence compared to personal competence in leadership.

These insights and questions set the stage for potentially transformative changes in leadership style and operational management aboard the Santa Fe.