Look, that’s the beauty of my profession over all those 35 years: guiding people from all walks of life. Because we are all human beings. Whether it’s a professor/administrator, a management team, an international expat team manager responsible for the delivery of 200 trains. Or skippers leading their team on voyages in Europe.
Last Saturday, I was on board in Amsterdam with one of my clients, a skipper who gave me a tour of his boat. Working for Universe Shipping, which has a fleet of vessels that transport oil, among other things, throughout Europe. And wow, it was so impressive!
And there is a lot involved in those voyages: good staff, extensive and continuous education and training, technical knowledge, following safety protocols, performing ship maintenance such as sanding and painting the deck, navigation, safe mooring and departure, loading and unloading, skillfully bypassing blockages during the voyage, and much more. My respect for these people has only increased from what I have seen and heard.
And how do you effectively manage something like that as a captain? Quite a challenge. Also in achieving team spirit with the team of second skippers, mates, and deckhands you have to work with.
How do you deal with team members who sometimes cut corners, come from a different culture, or show a different work motivation, or where harsh words are sometimes exchanged that can temporarily ruin the atmosphere? How do you ensure that people and yourself remain vital and sustainably employable, and do not become exhausted, overstressed, or burned out?
How do you deal with your own irritations as a captain, and how do you correct and motivate your people effectively? How do you conduct effective meetings to ensure the voyage runs smoothly and pleasantly for everyone?
These and many other questions are addressed during the coaching sessions for captains and deckhands. In recent years, I have heard many stories from real-world practice. And how wonderful it is when it actually turns out that, after coaching, they have received insights and ‘tools’ that can make the voyage smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
Do you also want to maintain a steady voyage in your work as a leader or professional? Then coaching or team coaching might be something for you.Take a look here: https://martinthoolen.com/en/service/
© 2026: Martin Thoolen
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