GREAT ORGANIZATIONS ARE BUILT ON GAME-CHANGING CULTURE

Not every circumstance on a submarine presents a life-or-death situation. That doesn’t mean small matters are not important, though. I was fortunate to serve under Bruce Grooms who had a profound impact on my life. The trust Grooms built in seemingly insignificant instances could be relied on in more critical moments. The way he handled the following situation speaks volumes and shows a perfect example of how a leader shapes culture.

For sailors who are out to sea, quality food provides more than sustenance; it’s life. Mealtimes are a welcome break during those long days and nights, and delicious food is good for morale. Every year, the navy honors the best galleys on ship or shore with the coveted Captain Edward F. Ney Award.

The Ney, which recognizes excellence in food service management, sanitation, delivery, and overall performance, is a big deal to navy mess cooks. On the Asheville, I witnessed a masterclass in leadership as I watched the hardworking chefs prepare for the Ney Award inspection.

During our daily planning meeting, our supply officer informed Captain Grooms of the Ney team’s scheduled arrival the next day and asked if he had time to meet with them. Without hesitation, Grooms replied, “Absolutely, clear my schedule.”

Captain Grooms had noticed the extensive efforts of our head cook, Culinary Specialist First Class (CS1) Bobby Irish. CS1 Irish scrubbed the galley from top to bottom. He inventoried his stores and supplies and made sure he provided contingencies for unplanned circumstances. He trained on different methods and recipes so that he could deliver high-caliber meals. The love Irish had for the job, the crew, and the ship was reflected in the joyful way he did his work and the pride he took in the results. This love permeated his division.

Grooms realized that well-fed sailors perform better. He provided the mess crew with any resources they required and made himself available if there was a need he could fulfill. He took a genuine interest in the mess’s preparations for the Ney team’s inspection, but he didn’t micromanage.

Shortly before the Ney team arrive, Grooms pulled Irish aside, looked him in the eyes, and thanked him for making sure the crew was well taken care of. He promised to let the inspectors know that the Asheville had the finest galley in the navy.

The Ney Award inspectors came and went. Despite Grooms’s support, the Asheville wound up only a runner-up for the award. Irish was crushed. He’d wanted the honor for the entire ship, especially his commanding officer. He felt he had let down the crew. Not long after receiving the bad news, Irish told me of the support.

Grooms had given him throughout the process. When the captain noticed Irish was taking the loss very personally, he laid a hand on Irish’s shoulder and said, “I’m sorry we didn’t get the Ney. I know you’re disappointed, but you win that award every day in my book. What you do is critical to our mission, and we’re lucky to have you.”

Though the words didn’t relieve Bobby Irish’s sting of disappointment entirely, Grooms’s compassionate response helped him see that his hard work did not go unnoticed. The cook continued his exemplary service under Grooms, and the entire crew benefitted. That’s leading with love that creates a legendary culture.