"The demands placed on a crew of ocean racers are strikingly similar to those faced by any team working to overcome tough challenges," notes Dennis Perkins. To understand why the metaphor of ocean racing applies to any team facing challenges and uncertainty, consider these core characteristics of the sport from Into the Storm: Lessons in Teamwork from the Treacherous Sydney to Hobart Ocean Race

1. What Workplace Teams
Can Learn from
Ocean Racing
By Dennis N.T. Perkins and Jillian B. Murphy
Follow them @DNTP and @jbmurf and The Syncretics Group

2. Forget images of wealthy yacht owners and
regattas. Ocean racing is a demanding sport
for serious sailors. "The demands placed on a
crew of ocean racers are strikingly similar to
those faced by any team working to overcome
tough challenges," notes Dennis Perkins.
To understand why the metaphor of ocean
racing applies to any team facing challenges
and uncertainty, consider these core
characteristics of the sport:
www.syncreticsgroup.com www.amacombooks.org

3. Ocean racing is a complex team endeavor.
Every crew member has a critical job to do.
And crew members have to work together,
seamlessly, to keep the boat on course.

4. Ocean racing is a test of endurance and
tenacity involving a journey into the
unknown.
(photo credit Richard Bennett)

5. During races of long distance and well
offshore, boats must be completely self-
sufficient for extended periods of time,
capable of withstanding heavy storms, and
prepared to handle emergencies.

6. Like today's business environment, ocean
racing is characterized by constant
change. The weather can be sunny one
minute, and gusting with gale force winds
the next.
(photo credit Richard Bennett)

7. Ocean racing is competitive, stressful,
and anxiety-provoking.

8. While there is still a skipper in charge of
the boat, leadership can be distributed
among other members of the crew.

9. A team that fails to execute flawlessly can
lose a race. There are winners and losers
in the sport.

10. Ocean racing requires the courage to take
calculated risks.
(photo credit Richard Bennett)

11. Winning an ocean race requires clear
vision, a cohesive and committed team,
and the ability to learn and adapt.

12. Into the Storm: Lessons in Teamwork from the
Treacherous Sydney to Hobart Ocean Race
By Dennis N.T. Perkins and Jillian B. Murphy
The Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is among the most
demanding sailing competitions in the world. In the
face of turmoil and tragedy, a crew of "amateur"
sailors piloted their tiny vessel, the AFR Midnight
Rambler, not only to the finish but to overall victory.
Into the Storm chronicles their nearly four-day
ordeal and draws parallels to the world of business,
revealing critical strategies for Teamwork at the
Edge. Illustrated with examples from the story and
compelling case studies, the book sheds light on
what teams need to do to succeed in tough times
and provides resources to support teams as they
navigate the chaotic seas of business today.
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Indiebound

13. Dennis N.T. Perkins is also the author of Leading at The Edge
and CEO of The Syncretics Group, a consulting firm dedicated
to helping leaders and teams thrive under conditions of
adversity, uncertainty, and change. A graduate of the United
States Naval Academy at Annapolis, he successfully completed
his first Sydney Hobart Race in 2006. Follow Dennis on Twitter
@DNTP.
Jillian B. Murphy is Director of Client Services at The Syncretics
Group. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of
Connecticut, and works with senior executives in organizations
throughout the world. Jillian’s focus is on helping leaders and teams
achieve their greatest potential. She is a dynamic keynote speaker
who has been featured at numerous conferences and client events.
Follow Jillian on Twitter @jbmurf.
Follow The Syncretics Group on Facebook and Twitter @SyncreticsGroup
Into the Storm: Lessons in Teamwork from the
Treacherous Sydney to Hobart Ocean Race
By Dennis N.T. Perkins and Jillian B. Murphy