Mike Traves-Taylor

Leadership & Management

For the majority of Mike Traves-Taylor’s naval career, particularly over the latter 15 years, he has been responsible and accountable for the co-ordination and outcomes of both small and large groups of individuals who possessed a great variety of skills and skill levels. While exercising the duties and responsibilities as a Fleet Navigation Officer, Mike conducted Safety and Operational Audits on Major and Minor war vessels.

Whilst in Command of TORRENS which had a complement of 255 men and women, the successful co-ordination of Administration, Navigation, Operations, Engineering, Electrical and Supply personnel through mutual respect and dedication to achievable outcomes was essential to the successful operation of the ship. Similarly, whilst in charge of the Warfare School with a staff of 155 and as Director of Surface and Air Warfare with a staff of 37 middle ranking officers and senior sailors, the same principles of leadership and management were vital.

Association with management and leadership skills has been Mike’s ongoing commitment to Total Quality Management (TQM). Although the principles of TQM have always been an implicit part of the navy ethic, formal training for Senior Executives through the Australian Quality Council at Ingleside in Sydney was undertaken while serving in HMAS WATSON during 1992.

Post Naval Career

The skills and disciplines acquired during Mike's Naval career have blended well with the civilian environment, particularly in the Safety Management, Risk and Auditing processes in the Merchant Marine and Civil management infrastructure. The successful planning, execution and reporting of two Emergency Response exercises for two marine based Companies has also been possible due to Mike’s ongoing strong discipline in planning, navigational knowledge and personnel management skills.