Master and Commander

All opinions expressed in the blog are solely mine. The blog is not an official publication of any City of Melrose organization. 

English author Patrick O'Brian wrote "Master and Commander" and other novels that addressed the complexity associated with leadership.

There's no easy way to "shortlist" leadership criteria and yet for simplicity and clarity it's an "ambitious try." 

Set high standards while maintaining compassion. 

As team leaders, commit to setting the example, raising the standards, and always being the best possible teammate. When she was a freshman, now Dr. Victoria Crovo was both the best player and the emotional leader. Being young doesn't prevent you from being a leader. Not being a captain doesn't remove your leadership possibilities. 

Surround yourself with talented people (friends and confidants).

Character and competence are contagious. Developing a "critical mass" of high quality people around you make you better...and them. 

Innovate. 

Invest a small amount of time to compound value. What can you do better as an individual or as a team? In one scene from the movie Master and Commander Aubrey lowers a few boats to tug his ship into the fog which limits the attack from another ship which can't see them. 

Inspire. 

Excellent leadership works to expand their 'toolbox'. Coach Scott Celli works out, has scouted opponents directly, and studies college volleyball looking for edges to put you in a position to succeed. 

Lagniappe. Part of your opportunity and obligation as a student-athlete is to derive leadership principles from sport. The ChatGPT AI take on key leadership principles from "Master and Commander":

Here are five leadership principles that translate cleanly to sport.

1. Competence Precedes Authority

Captain Jack Aubrey commands loyalty because he is exceptionally competent—at seamanship, tactics, and decision-making.

For student-athletes

• Teammates follow those who know their craft.

• Skill, preparation, and consistency create informal authority.

• Titles (captain, starter) don’t substitute for mastery.

Locker-room translation:

You earn influence by being reliable when it matters.

Comment: Leadership in all disciplines intersects character and competence. Character is job one. Competence flows after. 

2. Discipline Creates Freedom

Life aboard ship is rigid—routines, roles, hierarchy. That discipline allows the crew to function fluidly during chaos.

For athletes

• Structure in practice → freedom in games.

• Teams with clear standards react faster under pressure.

• Sloppy habits get exposed when the game speeds up.

Basketball/volleyball parallel:
The most creative teams are often the most disciplined ones.

Comment: Discipline cuts twice - doing what must be done when you don't want to and avoiding what you want when you shouldn't do so. 

3. Calm Is Contagious

Aubrey remains composed in storms and battle. His calm stabilizes everyone else.

For student-leaders

• Emotional regulation is leadership.

• Teammates mirror your body language, tone, and pace.

• Panic spreads faster than strategy.

Late-game truth:
The team often plays at the emotional temperature of its best leader.

Comment - In the words of "Legacy" - keep a "blue head" not a red one

4. Respect the Chain of Command—but Listen

Aubrey respects hierarchy while valuing Stephen Maturin’s counsel. Authority doesn’t mean isolation.

For teams

• Clear roles matter.

• Great leaders listen without surrendering responsibility.

• Collaboration strengthens—not weakens—decision-making.

Student-athlete takeaway:
Seek input. Own the final call.

Comment - Players can benefit by having some input. They're the ones required to execute. 

5. Honor Is Doing the Right Thing When It Costs You

O’Brian’s world runs on honor—not showmanship. Reputation is built quietly, over time.

For athletes

• Effort when no one’s watching

• Owning mistakes

• Protecting teammates

• Choosing team success over personal stats

This separates:

• Hall of Fame character from Hall of Very Good talent.

Comment: You don't need a gym to do pogos and skaters, review old game film, or improve your mental game with mindfulness. 

One line that fits a team wall

Leadership is competence under pressure, character under stress, and responsibility without excuse.