Three Timeless Lessons from the Helm: What Conning a Ship Taught Me About Leadership

During my tenure as a junior officer on a nuclear submarine, one of my critical duties was to “conn the ship” — a naval term for directing the ship’s course. This responsibility not only taught me about navigation but also offered profound leadership insights that are just as applicable on land as they are at sea.

Here are three key lessons:

🔹 Act Swiftly, Refine ContinuouslyIn the vast and unpredictable sea, delaying decisions can escalate a poor situation into a disaster. As a new Officer of the Deck, I learned it was crucial not to wait for the perfect course of action. Make a decision swiftly, then adjust as more information becomes available. The principle is simple: Start moving, keep refining.

🔹 Develop Expertise and Trust Your GutWhile there are many rules to guide decisions at sea, the most skilled officers often rely on their gut, which they have built up over years of experience. This intuition is your best ally in navigating complex situations quickly and effectively. Dive deep into challenges; let each experience sharpen your instincts.

🔹 Cultivate a Team That Dares to Speak UpA vital lesson came to me when I nearly made a costly mistake, only to be corrected by my team. It highlighted the importance of having a crew that felt empowered to challenge decisions—a safety net made of trust and mutual respect. Encourage open communication and foster an environment where every team member feels confident voicing concerns.

Engagement Question: I’m curious to hear from you — what lessons have your unique experiences taught you about leadership? Have you ever had a moment where swift action or team trust made a significant difference?

Feel free to share your stories in the comments or connect if you’re interested in exploring how these principles can be adapted to your leadership strategy.