6 tips to maximise your crew’s potential

In an environment as meticulous as yachting, high standards are not an aspiration – they’re a daily, non-negotiable expectation from each and every crew member. Whilst your crew likely already operate at a high standard, what if there was an opportunity to tap even deeper into their potential?

At kelp, we believe leaders in the yachting industry have the opportunity to raise the bar and promote positive change by prioritising crew development. Progression and opportunities to learn are proven factors in boosting loyalty and retaining talented crew.

By providing access to more accessible, industry recognised training, you directly impact their opportunity for long-term success. This encourages stability, promotes a positive and thriving environment, and ensures crew are motivated to stay on board your vessel.

In this article, we explore how you can promote a more proactive and high-performing culture on board your vessel.  

Leading by example

Now this first one may seem obvious, but hear us out. As a HoD, by consistently demonstrating the level of hard work you expect from your team, naturally they will follow suit.

Crew look up to their HoDs, especially when they join a new vessel. As they adjust  to the new environment and learn the expectations of their role, they will model the behaviour of the team around them, how they approach challenges, and the quality of what is deemed exceptional for the vessel. 

When your entire team operates with a shared goal, and high standard set by your example, they will constantly be inspired to push themselves, knowing you’re right there with them.

Nurture a positive work environment

A superyacht is a unique workplace, where people live and work together for extended periods. Because of this, the atmosphere onboard is absolutely crucial. This is why it is important to encourage teamwork, respect, and a genuinely supportive and safe environment to work in.

A happy crew is a productive crew. So when crew members feel safe and valued, they’re more engaged, less prone to stress, and willing to go the extra mile. They’re also more likely to support each other in turn making the entire crew more efficient.

Everyone appreciates being acknowledged for a job well done. Whether it’s a verbal thank you, a mention in a meeting, or a more formal recognition, acknowledging hard work goes a long way in maintaining a positive work environment.

Clear communication

Establishing open, honest, and frequent communication channels is the number one most important factor when it comes to building a team you can trust. One small mistake can end up costing a lot of time and money to fix.

This is why every single member of the  team needs to understand their specific role, the expectations placed upon them, and the yacht’s overall goals, whether that’s for a busy charter season or period where the boss is on board.

If instructions are vague, or a crew member doesn’t fully understand their role, mistakes are more likely to occur. With clear communication, the crew can perform their duties with confidence and precision. 

Provide regular feedback

Feedback shouldn’t be reserved for annual reviews, which can often feel like formal, somewhat intimidating occasions. Instead, aim to offer praise for good work and specific feedback for areas that need improving on an ongoing basis. 

Regular feedback helps crew members understand precisely what they’re doing well and where they can develop. It prevents small issues from becoming larger problems and ensures that positive habits are reinforced immediately.

Addressing areas for improvement promptly and constructively can help individuals refine their skills, overcome challenges, and ultimately reach their full potential more quickly and effectively.

Invest in your crew

Your crew is your most valuable asset. 

Upskilling your team directly enhances their capabilities, enabling them to take on more complex tasks, solve problems more efficiently, and adapt to new challenges. The impacts are immediate, as they put what they’ve learned into practice, making the whole team more efficient.

Support them by encouraging endless opportunities to develop their existing skills, and to learn new ones through a continuous training platform like kelp. offering crew with year-round subscriptions and the chance to track their progress.

When the crew sees that they are being offered the opportunity to grow, with investment in their future, it significantly boosts their loyalty, motivation, and job satisfaction. A skilled crew is a confident crew, and confidence drives performance.

Kelp

The all-in-one online learning and development training platform designed by yacht crew, for yacht crew. Kelp allows your entire crew from the most Junior Stew to Captain the opportunity to access our vast library of courses and crew resources. 

From essential training such as Safety and Mental health to advanced skills development in areas such as Leadership, New Build & Refit and Document Specialist, our library of 1000+ courses are accessible anytime, anywhere and from any device. 

Give your crew the opportunity to learn at their own pace, using a flexible platform designed to pause and continue at any time as we know how hard it is to fit training in! This essential resource is the main thing that will set your crew up for success for years to come.

Want to learn more about a kelp membership for your crew? Get in touch at hello@kelp.yachts