Field report

Weigh anchor and set sail in the Danish South Sea!

A completely different kind of management training.

At Transportkühlung Thermo King GmbH, where I work as a branch manager, great importance has always been attached to the education and training of first and second-level management. So when my managing director told me that I was to take part in a team-building seminar, I wasn't particularly surprised. However, I was astonished when I found out exactly where the three-day course was to take place: on the Eye of the Wind, a sailing ship launched in 1911! Having spent several years on a 15,000-tonne ship myself and thus gained some experience in the field of seafaring, I looked forward to this special sailing trip with curiosity.

On the eve of departure, I arrived in the port where the brig was anchored, waiting for me and the other participants. Even at first glance, it was clear that this beautiful tall ship was something special: despite its 100-year history and having sailed around the world twice, all of its equipment was top-notch. We were warmly welcomed by the trainer and the crew and were assigned our cabins below deck. Everything we needed was there: air conditioning, running cold and hot water, shower and toilet. This was followed by a hearty dinner on deck, where the participants were able to get to know each other in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. I found it very pleasant that we all addressed each other informally right from the start – it made us realise that we would be pulling together for the next three days. This helped teams form more quickly, and we recognised that we were all equals.

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, we set sail! All participants stood on deck and watched the crew perform their manoeuvres. But not for long, because then our trainer said, "Below deck, everyone!" and the first theory block began. As the number of participants was limited to only twelve people, it was very pleasant to be together in the stylishly furnished saloon. As far as the theoretical part of the trip was concerned, I was initially somewhat sceptical as to whether the announced leadership topics could actually be conveyed well in such an environment. It was very important to me to gain as much leadership knowledge as possible from the event, especially aspects of teamwork. But the trainer quickly dispelled my initial scepticism. He clearly explained the principles of different leadership styles, familiarised us with conversation and communication techniques, and confidently introduced us to conflict management. The special nature of the location became apparent during the group and team work: no one could escape. It was like the real everyday life of a manager – when you are confronted with a situation, you cannot ultimately avoid it. Just as you cannot jump off a ship into the open sea.

But the training was not just theoretical; it was primarily practical. And that was what made it so special, something that a "conventional" management seminar simply cannot offer: we were allowed to get involved, i.e. we actively participated in life on board! Teams were formed with the crew: each participant was assigned to a crew member according to the principle of "double positioning" – from the captain down to the ordinary sailor. I was assigned to a team on the main mast, and then it was time to "set sail" or "brace the sails!" I hadn't expected this work to be so strenuous! But the purpose of the manoeuvring quickly became clear: only through clear communication and everyone pitching in can a goal be achieved. You quickly see where the process is faltering, where problems arise and how you need to react quickly. In a normal hotel conference room, you might be able to practise such situations briefly in a role play, but on a ship in real-life operation, you can't afford to make any mistakes. Just as you cannot in the everyday life of a manager. On both evenings, we enjoyed the shore excursion. In addition to the opportunity to have dinner, it also offered the chance to chat with each other in a relaxed atmosphere. It was very interesting for me to learn about the problems the other participants faced in their everyday management work and how they had dealt with them so far. Based on what we had learned on the ship so far, we began discussing possible solutions together. On the third and final day, despite the short duration of the trip, we were already a really well-coordinated team. So we didn't mind that the wind picked up a little at the end. On the contrary: we braved the weather together and sailed back into the port of Kiel with full sails. Personally, I found participating in this somewhat different leadership seminar extremely instructive and would not want to have missed the overall experience. In addition to the aspects of team building that were particularly important to me, the surroundings and the atmosphere on the ship were simply unforgettable. If someone asked me whether I would take part in such a trip again, my answer would be: immediately!

Ralf Breetzmann
Transport refrigeration Thermo King GmbH