[Oldmanmatt]

I was looking for more reading on this subject and an old friend who had been involved in the study to which this article relates, passed it on.

I can vouch for it and confirm that the system is somewhat different from the general public's perception of disciplined service. Being locked in a steel box for months on end (particularly when dodging Iranian Silk Worms or when in A.N. Other unreported, not really happening, shh! Don't tell anyone, area of conflict) is not the best setting for the die-hard autocrat..

http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/organization/leadership_lessons_from_the_royal_navy

It is worth reading.

[Sloper]

I wonder if there's a list of the apocryphal performance review quotes I particularly remember 'this man will work if cornered' and ' Lt x's men will follow him anywhere, if only out of a sense of morbid curiosity'.

[johnx2]

I’ve been struck, while conducting research on the Royal Navy, by the extent to which these engines of war run on “soft” leadership skills.

Rum, sodomy and the lash? 

[Jaspersharpe]

I’ve been struck, while conducting research on the Royal Navy, by the extent to which these engines of war run on “soft” leadership skills.

Rum, sodomy and the lash?

That's a great album.

[Oldmanmatt]

I’ve been struck, while conducting research on the Royal Navy, by the extent to which these engines of war run on “soft” leadership skills.

Rum, sodomy and the lash?

Nah.
They stopped the Rum in '79...