Top 24 Ways to Become a Better Sr. Officer on board ships

Being a Sr. Officer on board ships requires not only excellent technical  competencies but also adept leadership and management skills. The management of human resources on board the vessel, often poses a never ending challenge to the Sr. Officers whether on deck or in engine. Here are some insights  on how to become a better one:

1. Improve your Skills

In order to be a better one, you need to equip yourself with appropriate skills. If you do not have supervisory experience, you may want to attend management seminars and other training programs that will help you become an effective manager, supervisor or boss.

2. Study the Company’s Vision and Mission

You do not want to end up scratching your head when some new employee asks you about the company’s background, mission and vision. If you want to contribute to the achievement of that vision and mission, you have to know them first.

3. Educate Your Crew about Company Policies and Goals

You should also remember to know the goals and policies of your organization. Once you have learned these things, impart them to your subordinates so that they will be on the same page as you.

4. Lead by Example

You cannot expect people to follow and respect you if you do not lead by example. If you want your team to be active and hardworking, you need to show them that you are also doing your share in making your team or department achieve its objectives. It is embarrassing to reprimand someone for sleeping on the job if you are also seen by your subordinates doing the same thing.

5. Make sure that your Instructions are laid out in simple terms and clear

In order to minimize confusions and misunderstanding, be clear with what you expect from your Officers and crew. If you have to meet each member of the team to send the message across, do not hesitate to do so.

6. Set Goals That Are Achievable

It is all right to expect the best from your fellow Officers and crew, but be sure to make realistic goals. For example, a 20% increase in Key performance Indicators (KPI's) may be reasonable target each month.

7. Listen to your Officers and Crew

Be sure to take some time to listen to your subordinates. They too can come up with great ideas and solutions. Implore No road blocks...Do not shut other people out even if they may give weird suggestions. If you really think that the ideas and suggestions are far out and impossible, take some time to think about them. You can never tell if a proposal will not have any merit.

8. Don’t Forget the ABCs of Supervision

Mentoring, checking up on your employees, asking your fellow officers and crew about their expectations are just some of the basics of supervision that you should never forget, even if you are already at the helm.

9. Regularly Check Performance and Expectations

The Officers and crew sometime slack off when they realize that the management does not check their performance or if their boss is not really good at making evaluations. To prevent this, make sure that you keep a regular performance and expectation evaluation.

1o. Motivate them to do their best.
Encourage Your Crew and Jr. Officers to be the Best They Can be. Do not be afraid or feel threatened if someone in your group performs better than other members of the team.

11. Give Your Crew Something to Look Forward To

Sunday Crew Welfare Activities on board  can surely make a dull shipboard environment more exciting.

12. Delegate Responsibilities

Again, you are not the only person who can do the job. Learn to delegate responsibilities to others. Delegation will also help you focus more on managerial stuff.

13. Make proposals for  Training  that Provide Self Development 

Training programs that are not necessarily connected to the job, like  time  management, stress management, value enhancement, statistical process control and writing business letters effectively are essential in making your team members better skilled.

14. Be Involved

Do not stay in your ivory tower. Get involved with your team, even if you have to get your hands dirty.

15. Be Sensitive to Other People’s Needs

Some Jr. Officers and crew are not usually vocal and open about their needs. As a good leader, you should be able to anticipate what your team might need to do the job well.

16. Encourage Your Team to Be Creative and Innovative

Open your mind and encourage other people to provide creative inputs and suggestions.

17. Learn New Skills and encourage others

You also need to improve your skills. Making training programs available is one thing. You should also encourage your crew to learn new skills.

18. Show Genuine Concern for Your Officers and Crew

Know how to sympathize and show concern for others.

19. Keep A Positive Attitude

Positive attitude is infectious, so try to spread it to your team.

20. Try to maintain Good Working Environment

Based on surveys, employees value safe and good working conditions. In fact, many say that their top reason for staying with a company is the work environment.

21. Be Accountable

Do not blame others for your mistakes. Take responsibility for your actions and decisions.

22. Be Open to Change

Change is inevitable so you need to be open-minded when it comes to new technology and ways of doing things.

23. Ensure Good Working Relationships Within Your Team

Encourage your team members to respect each other and maintain a good working relationship with everyone. Resolve problems and bickering quickly and fairly.

24. Value Time

If you want others to value your time, be sure to value theirs as well. Don’t keep them waiting for hours during meetings.


Source: leadershippost
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