Yacht crew work to deliver some of the most incredible experiences that money can buy.
It’s certainly no mean feat. Working long hours, with tight schedules, to the impeccably high standards of Captains, owners, and guests (and of course, yourself).
That’s why when working as a Head of Department (HoD) on board, it’s important to have the right people by your side that not only have the skills to deliver to these standards but also have the right attitude and personality traits.
At YCRT our mission is to help you to build happier, stronger and more effective teams. So, let’s take a look at the importance of finding people who align with your goals and vision, how to communicate effectively, the importance of personal development and how to fill any gaps in your team, in order to create high-performing teams on board.
Goals and values
What does success look like to you? Before you can assemble a high-performing team, you need to have a clear understanding of what you want the team to achieve.
A successful season can be defined in many ways, perhaps your primary goal is to deliver exceptional guest experiences, repeat charter bookings, or a satisfied owner. It’s important for you to always think about what success looks like for yourself and the vessel your team will represent whilst onboard.
Before hiring any new crew you should think about what the vessel’s current reputation is within the industry, within this, it’s also important to consider how you want your team members to treat each other, guests, and the yacht itself.
Communication and expectations
One of the most crucial aspects of building a high-performing team is ensuring you’re able to clearly communicate with your team and set clear expectations for each member of your team. When team members understand their roles, responsibilities, and the goals of the team, they are better equipped to contribute effectively.
It is your job to clearly define each member’s roles and responsibilities, ensuring there is no misunderstanding or overlap. Try setting out SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals for each team member. It’s just as important to offer constructive feedback on performance to every team member, highlighting both their strength and any areas for improvement you have noticed.
Encourage open communication with your crew by making yourself accessible to your team members. Practice active listening to truly understand their perspectives and concerns and choose a method of communication that works for both yourself and your crew. By providing clear expectations and effective communication, you can create a team that is aligned, motivated, and capable of achieving its goals.
Invest in your team
Another powerful tool to help you build a high functioning team is to invest in your team’s professional development. When crew feel valued and supported in their professional growth, they are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and committed to the organisation.
Training and development can help team members acquire new skills, knowledge, and abilities, leading to improved performance in their roles. A well-trained and developed team is better equipped to think critically, problem-solve, and innovate.
So by investing in accredited training courses such as those offered by The Crew Academy, you can empower your crew members to excel in their roles and contribute to the overall success of the vessel.
Find the right people
Once you have defined your vessel’s goals, values and any gaps in your team, you may need to start searching for the right people to join your team.
One powerful tool to help you attract high quality candidates is a well-crafted job description as it helps you identify individuals who align with your team’s goals and values. As well as listing tasks and requirements, highlight the benefits of your vessel and its unique culture.
Partnering with a recruitment agency, such as The Crew Hunter, can significantly enhance your hiring process. Our team of recruiters are all former yacht crew and have years of experience working in the industry. Along with this understanding of the day-to-day workings of a yacht. They each have access to a vast network of qualified professionals to help you find the people who slot easily into your team and culture.
Looking to expand your team? To find out more visit our website.
