Leadership course held in Bergen

29.08.2019
A pilot test of a new tailor-made leadership course was held in Bergen, with attending Captains, Chief Engineers, Chief Officers and on-shore leaders from the Philippines, Norway, US and Sweden.

Ship Management invited course specialist Seascape to facilitate the five-day leadership training. Seascape has developed this package through hundreds of courses held for the shipping industry since 2003, and worked together with VP Ship Operations Svend Foyn-Bruun to further tailor it specifically for Odfjell.

 

“The program is tailored for Odfjell, who strongly believes in emphasizing and offering support and individual development for their officers – without doubt, very demanding positions to hold within today’s complex and much-regulated shipping industry”, Program Conductor John Meling said in his introduction.

“Our roles as leaders and officers have become more challenging than ever before. Our behavior directly impacts day to day operations and performance. Consequently, the way we are influencing those around us enables them to give their best without compromising safety or environmental regulations. This pilot course was a test and will be evaluated to decide if it should be held regularly for our officers. The course can contribute to improved safety awareness and improved communication/ involvement ship-shore.”

Svend Foyn-Bruun, VP Ship Operations


Leadership is about influencing others through our behavior. Throughout the week, the instructors lectured in recognized theories in leadership and communications, and facilitated a set of group sessions, case studies and role plays, in addition to individual consultancy. Each participant had two one-to-one sessions with the instructors.
 

 

The evaluation from the delegates highlighted many positive aspects of the course, and pointed out relevant improvement potential to further hit home with Odfjell’ers. Some comments:

“Overall, the training was good, and the presenters were great, very enthusiastic, professional and knowledgeable.”

“If we take this program on, we need to get the information that they are presenting in line with Odfjell policy and procedures.”

“It may be a consequence of the new generation, but we have to give the why. Understanding why you are doing something is the purest form of motivation.”