”The purpose of the ships is to sail from A to B,but it is the people aboard the ships who make it happen. It is decisive that they cooperate, take care of each other and feel confident enough in each other’s company to address what is difficult, such as a difficult and dangerous work situation. Open and trustful communication is the glue that binds everything on board together and helps ensure that dangerous situations do not arise.
It is a precondition for a good and safe working environment that the shipping company and management are prepared to promote trust. Social activities are paramount to building trust among a crew.”
”You need to understand that it is important. If focusing on the social life of the crew is an inherent part of the shipping company’s culture, and if you have leaders who pursue an interest in social life, you will have crews that thrive and, accordingly, do a good job.
Basically, as a leader, you need to show an active interest in the people around you. Social life is not restricted to organised activities such as tournaments, movie nights or bingo, but also relates to everyday occurrences.
Use a coffee break to ask about a crew member’s family, so that you do not only talk about work but also about life outside of work.”
”You need to understand and accept that all cultures are different and that there are many ways in which to do things. Your way is not necessarily the right way.
For those members of the crew who come from cultures with a very hierarchical structure, it is easier to engage in social contexts in which the hierarchy is discarded in favour of a more equal approach.
Ask and find out which special occasions are important to the different nationalities on board. In general, ask about each other – ask about sports, religion, music, films and food – get to know each other and try to understand each other. The better you know each other, the more difficult it is to be judgemental.”
