Cornelia Graf

A leadership seminar on a sailing ship?

An opportunity that should not be missed!

There is an opportunity to participate in unique leadership training aboard the Eye of the Wind.

The 100-year-old Eye of the Wind is unique in itself: it is a film star and unparalleled beauty. Lovingly restored, you can feel her charm straight away. A warm welcome by the crew and the seminar leader rounded off the first positive impression with a welcome drink. From the very beginning, you can feel that it is important to everyone to make you feel comfortable on board.

After an introductory evening, the seminar starts the next morning with a theoretical presentation by the trainer, Ms Christa Maurer. Friendly, competent and committed she set out the schedule for the next three days. Alternating between theory and practice, all days are spent on board. The content of the theoretical units, taught in the historical seminar room below deck, is well structured and is always related to the onboard sailing operation. I wonder if it is possible to learn to steer the ship with help of the crew within three days. I have never been aboard such a ship. So I ask myself whether I can learn an entirely new subject matter this quickly. To cut the long story short, the answer to these questions is YES!

Within a short period of time, it becomes clear to all seminar participants: it is important to pull together! We tried our hand at various sailing manoeuvres. The seminar participants have to tackle the various roles on board - either as part of the command or as a member of the crew. With respect to sailing manoeuvres, the crew and captain are patient and dedicated in their support for the participants. After completing each manoeuvre, there is feedback from the seminar leader, the captain, crew and the other seminar participants. From the discussion that follows, we learn what was done well and where there is room for improvement. The pleasant atmosphere and fun motivate everybody on board. An absolute highlight is to climb up the rigging to round off the event. Standing atop a 14 metre high mast will give you a view you will cherish in your memory. The three days on board pass by far too quickly.

The skills/techniques learned on this seminar that I will be using in everyday practice:

1. How important it is to communicate with the employees.
2. How important it is to clarify the objectives of the company/work to the employees.
3. How important it is to make clear decisions.
4. How important are agreements at interfaces.
5. How quickly it is possible with the help of others to familiarize yourself with new topics.
6. And as it can be experienced onboard of this ship, how important it is for a manager to know the strengths and weaknesses of the employees so that they can be deployed accordingly in order to perform well.

I have learned a lot in those three days. I would like to extend my thanks to my fellow seminar participants, to the Captain and his crew, and in particular, Christa Maurer, who led the seminar competently and demonstrated her knowledge and experience.

Cornelia Graf

Department Head and QM Officer in an educational institution