“Leadership is earned, not designated.”

Abrashoff points out a central idea of the book, namely that a person’s title does not necessarily mean they are a leader. How the person treats those they lead is what ultimately makes a leader successful.

“Show me an organization in which employees take ownership, and I will show you one that beats its competitors.”

The theme of empowerment is evident in this passage. In Abrashoff’s view, employees within a company should be encouraged to utilize their own strengths and abilities to problem solve and be creative. When employees are able to have some measure of independence, they are far more likely to be emotionally invested in the success and health of the company.

“I have learned over and over that once you squander an opportunity, you can never get it back.”

The passage demonstrates the kind of urgency with which Abrashoff approached his duties as a new commander of the Benfold. Abrashoff immediately determined that the complacency afforded by the status-quo would only perpetuate the problems bad leadership caused on the Benfold prior to his arrival.