Below Deck has become one of those shows that we all love to hate. Sure, you know it’s probably not the most enriching watching in the world, but you’d need a will of stone not to get sucked in by the teased at series drama from the very first episode. From hate to love and everything in between, BravoTV’s reality creation offers it all, and it does so amidst the setting of one of the most intensive working setups imaginable.
During each season of the show, which spans one season in the yachting world, we follow crew members as they spend up to six weeks in close quarters. What emerges is both a great, juicily enjoyable show, and a fine example of how to act (and not to act) within the working world.
While it might seem strange to turn a business eye on this best-loved reality drama, it may well pay to do so, as you start to learn crucial workplace lessons like the ones we’ll be discussing in this article.
# 1 – The Importance of Hard Work (And Down Time)
If there’s one thing Below Deck shows us, it’s the importance of hard work. No matter how you feel about the individual crew members of each season, one thing remains true – they’re all out there working their butts off. Far from simply sunning it up every summer, yachties are undeniably dedicated to jobs that often see them working 12+ hour shifts, and having to jump into action at the whim of their guests. This really is customer service at its most intensive, and it’s only possible if everyone is willing to put the work in.
Outside of yachting, this hardcore work ethic can be a useful thing to bear in mind. Admittedly, yacht crews take this to an extreme, and there’s a reason why they can only manage the job for a few months each year, but you can apply the same dedication in a lesser way. Stepping up to responsibility at work, showing willingness to accept overtime, and also making no qualms about going above and beyond to keep customers happy, can only help with job performance in the long run.
On the flip side of that, considering that at least one crew member will typically start to flag mid-season, you could argue that Below Deck is also a lesson in why, as well as working hard, you need to prioritize downtime. You’re not stuck on a boat, after all. You’re able to go home at the end of the day, and it’s vital to put work away at that time. Then, you’ll always arrive back to the office fresh, fired up, and way less bleary-eyed than your favorite Below Deck stars.
# 2 – The Customer Is Always Right Until They Aren’t
If there’s one theme that we see time and again throughout Below Deck, it’s the idea that the customer (or guest, in this case) always knows best. We’ve seen yachties arranging last-minute weddings, ordering outrageously expensive caviar, and even dressing in budgie smugglers at guest requests.
These aren’t situations you’ll ever need to bend to in the real working world, but they are a prime example of the ‘customer is always right’ mindset. After all, while each of these actions may seem outrageous, they serve to secure generous tips and even repeat custom across many seasons. Whatever your career, it’s always worth listening to and respecting customer needs, as well as being every bit as accommodating as possible. This is how fantastic company reputations are built, and loyal customers are won.
All of this said we can also look at a few instances in Below Deck and acknowledge that, sometimes, the customer very much isn’t right. Despite the ‘yes’ attitude instilled in yachties, guests have been ejected from the boat occasionally, including when Captain Lee witnessed Dolores’ iconic nighttime sea dive, or when there was suspected drug use amongst guests. In other words, customer accommodation should only stretch so far, especially when legality or health and safety come into question.
# 3 – Health and Safety is Key
Speaking of health and safety, Below Deck is filled with the stuff, and that’s hardly surprising considering that, despite the glamor, yachts, and boats of all kinds technically count as dangerous workplaces. This is true both because of their sea-bound status and due to the mechanical equipment onboard, and means that proper precaution and training are both job essentials.
We see this most amongst deck crew, who are continually versed in the importance of properly handling equipment like jet skis. Equally, we see guest safety concerns time and again, both in Dolores’ case and when kids onboard are required to wear safety jackets at all times on deck. All corners of the deck are also kitted out with safety features including commercial railing systems at all sides of the deck, to first aid supplies and fire suppression systems.
All workplaces could benefit from following this example, especially when it comes to the handling of dangerous equipment. Ample training, oversight, and procedures should all be fully implemented in this instance, as well as always having first aid equipment nearby in case of accidents. Businesses could also benefit from considering lessons like the need to always wear safety equipment in dangerous areas such as warehouses and construction zones which, from a safety perspective, are every bit as risk-filled as the deck of a boat.
# 4 – You Can’t Beat Communication
From deck crew to interior struggles, Below Deck shows us time and again how a lack of communication can lead to workplace worries. This is always most prevalent amongst the internal crew, with chief stews inevitably always dealing with that one stewardess who just can’t seem to answer her radio! We’ve also seen countless struggles between Chefs and the chief stew who’s supposed to relate everything from dinner locations to timings but often fails to do so. Communication problems also come into play on deck, with the ability to work as one key for smooth, and safe, docking procedures.
All of this points to one simple reality – communication should always be a workplace priority. Whether you rely on a radio like the Below Deck crew, or simply struggle to plan projects with the person sitting right next to you, communication issues need ironing out before they roll over into poor performance or customer-facing issues.
There’s only so much you can do to rectify the issue out at sea, but land-based businesses have far more options here, including simply implementing improved communication platforms that allow for real-time communications, which are categorized based on project, department, etc. With those messages appearing on-screen, miscommunications, or missed communications, become significantly less likely.
# 5 – The Need to Keep Things Professional
Messy boat romances are something of a Below Deck special. From Ben and Emily to that notorious Rocky and Eddie situation, yachties just can’t get enough of each other. And, in fairness, who can blame them? They only see one another for months on end! But, a lesson to the wise – boat romances never end well, and neither do workplace flings in general.
There are always exceptions to this rule, but many companies now have contractual policies about dating colleagues, and it’s easy to see why. The trouble is, of course, that when a relationship doesn’t work out, it can make workplaces incredibly strained for everybody. Not only will the couple in question experience anxiety about working together, but their avoidance, or active arguments, can quickly have a knock-on effect.
So, what’s the lesson here? Ideally, you should always keep things professional amongst your colleagues. While friendships are okay, relationships are almost always a recipe for disaster.
# 6 – Spending Time Together Outside of Work Matters
As if the Below Deck crew don’t get enough of each other onboard, they tend to go out for at least a few team-building days between charters each season. Admittedly, this being a dramatized reality, those outings typically end in an argument or two. But, the fact that they happen at all is a workplace lesson worth remembering.
Quality team building exercises, be they spa days, litter picking, or just going out for a nice meal, can really help to cement inter-team relationships on a new level. This is important because, if a team gets on well outside of the office, they’re more liable to work well together inside it.
Admittedly, managers may want to take steps to keep these outings professional, such as attending themselves or laying some ground rules in advance (e.g. only same sex boarding, etc.), but they could quickly see improvements from this effort.
Takeaway
You might not have watched Below Deck to improve your business acumen, but there’s no denying that each of these lessons is hidden in a series somewhere, and could be key to helping your business reach open water. Simply make like Captain Lee, and sweep the deck clean with these top TV-inspired workplace words of wisdom.
