Why Reading

The message is really clear: Control can be achieved without command, and even better so. This bottom-up approach to achieving excellent control on a nuclear submarine, is told in this book in a “thriller story” way. It proves ones and for all that ALL organisations can get rid of the top-down style of managing! These bottom-up practices can be used as inspiration for any organization.

Reading tips

• Part 1 is about the traditional way of managing submarines and building up for the coming parts.
• Part 2 (control) is describing how the author/captain is taking his ideas of change into practices. Trying things out, tuning and making them work. Then repeating them to make it stick. Reaching results. Key practices are “I intend to…” and “deliberate action”, look for those.
• Part 3 (competence) elaborates on the need for competence and continuous learning in the bottom-up approach.
• Part 4 (clarity) is about providing guiding principles and building trust. As well as going for excellence rather than going for error avoidance.
• After each chapter a number of useful questions are posted that you can use in your own organization.