BOOK REVIEW: TURN THE SHIP AROUND

Should you rethink how you lead?

Why Turn the Ship Around! might be the leadership reset you didn't know you needed.

Leadership books are everywhere, but not all of them shake you up—in a good way. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a top-down work culture or wondered how to build a truly empowered team, Turn the Ship Around! by L. David Marquet is a must-read. In this post, we’ll break down what makes this book different, and why its message matters more than ever in 2025.

What is the Book About?

In short: a U.S. Navy submarine captain completely flips the traditional leadership model on its head.

Marquet was assigned to command the USS Santa Fe, one of the worst-performing submarines in the fleet. But instead of taking tighter control, he gave control away. The result? The ship became one of the best-performing in the Navy.

This book isn’t theory—it’s a practical, real-world example of how trusting people to think (not just follow orders) can change everything.

What Makes it Worth Reading?

Here’s why this book is different from the average “how to be a better boss” guide:

Intent-Based Leadership

Marquet introduces the idea of “leader-leader” instead of “leader-follower.” The goal? Create a culture where everyone owns their work and decisions—not just the person at the top.

Simple Shifts, Big Impact

Changing “permission-based” language like “Can I…” to “I intend to…” rewires how responsibility is viewed on a team. It seems small—but it changes everything.

Focus on Clarity + Competence 

People aren’t just handed power—they’re trained, informed, and trusted. It’s leadership rooted in preparation, not just delegation.

Key Takeaways You Can Use Right Now

1. Give control, don’t take it.

Have your team tell you what they are going to accomplish—rather than asking you for permission. When they make their own decisions, they will feel empowered and competent, and will be interested in building technical skills to supplement decision making.

2. Build your team’s competence.

Instead of holding briefings where one person just talks at everyone else—hold certifications. Ensuring that everyone is on the same page and has all of the necessary information by quizzing them will prompt them into an active participant in the meeting, rather than a passive listener. They will be forced to review and recall relevant facts, and you can easily identify any gaps in knowledge in your team.

3. Be clear about the “why.” 

People follow purpose, not just instructions. Explain what matters. Constantly reviewing the purpose will ensure your team makes decisions grounded in this reason, that they think of the “why” before every choice. You want your message to be presented throughout all your actions and decisions, so that eventually your team will embody this message as well. 

Is This for You?

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you lead a team (even a small one)?

• Are you tired of micromanaging—or being micromanaged?

• Do you want to build trust and accountability in your workplace?

• Are you open to rethinking what a “strong leader” looks like?

If you answered yes to any of these, this book will give you the tools and mindset shift you need.

Final Thoughts

In a world that still romanticizes “heroic” leadership, Turn the Ship Around! is a breath of fresh air. It’s not about ego. It’s about elevating others.

Whether you’re managing a company, a classroom, or your own solo projects—this book will help you lead with more clarity, purpose, and trust.