Should I invite the boss to go sailing?

slo007

I need crew in the summer for some odd jobs onboard. I invited a colleague to help me in exchange for some time on the water afterwards. He agreed.

But I would prefer to have a second person lending a hand (to speed things up). I would prefer not to invite strangers. My boss previously said he has sailing experience and is impressed with my hobby. But I'm concerned about conflicts of interest.

What do you think?

fergal.b

I have seen strong relationships fall apart over docking a boat 😁

Mick Tator

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058393152/should-i-invite-the-boss-to-go-sailing

What do I think?

You really need to review your attitude to lots of things.

You want someone to work for free and ‘in payment’ you give them some time on the water? Now you need more help with the work, and you’re thinking of drafting in your boss to do it? Really? If you cannot find help from a friend or pay for it, sell your boat. On a boat, the skipper is in charge. That means people do what they are told, role reversal is fine when the newbie has no experience, (or is a volunteer) but telling your boss who has plied sandpaper/whatever how to do things when he has experience is plain daft and certainly not a career move.

I’ve been a boss for many years and regularly – no strings - brought out some of my staff for an evening sail. I still was the skipper (and boss) but in a very relaxed way. Handing the tiller/wheel to a youngster and saying ‘You’re in charge’ creates a huge impact on them and an everlasting memory. You cannot do that to a boss, particularly when s/he has experience.

Separately, sailing is a fantastic management training tool, that remains far too under-rated and unrecognised.

cbreeze

maybe organise a team day out with boss and some other colleagues, you'll get a day off and boss might expense the refreshments😋

slo007

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123132225#Comment_123132225

Not everyone has the funds to hire crew or mechanics for everything. It would be too expensive for us. In the end my friend invited another friend with sailing experience and they agreed to join. I'm happy to host them for 10 days onboard at my cost. Will be a fraction of what the local shop asked for.

peelo

Not to mention choice of Deckshoes !

retoos

Hey @slo007, I get why you’re worried. If your boss is keen on a laid-back outing and it’s just about hobbies, it can help you bond more. Just keep it chill and maybe mention that it’s not some work task—just fun and working together. As long as it’s low-pressure, it should be cool.