It began with a crew of five guys, each leaders in their own right, chartering, provisioning and navigating a sailboat for a week in the British Virgin Islands. And now, five years later, after four charters and three land destinations with spouses, the crew has grown to at least twelve. And it is now more than just a group of sailing buddies, although some of the crew have continued the annual winter seafaring voyages.

Crewing has become a means to an end, a metaphor of sorts for an opportunity to join with mates on land or at sea. On three occasions the crew has included ten couples at land-based locations for conversations about life and leadership, with no agenda or pre-determined activities. Whether on land or sea we listen and learn from one another, explore, question, and reflect on our life experiences and leadership responsibilities. The conversations often center on current events, leadership challenges and, at times, personal concerns.

Recently we have considered taking Leading To Serve (LTS) as our group identity. LTS was started to advance the practice of leadership as service for the common good. The Fellows are committed to the notion that effective and ethical leadership is about serving in partnership with followers for causes intended to change the world for the better.

With Leading To Serve the crew will engage in and sponsor ‘action learning’ experiences at sea and land-based gatherings as well as mentoring and coaching. Going forward LTS may offer additional activities through the initiatives of its crewmembers.

This Leading To Serve website serves as an online brochure for the LTS mission and activities. The website will include links to bios of crewmembers who wish to help plan and facilitate future activities.

As we say in the boating community – “Welcome Aboard!”