Hvordan oppleves overgangen fra nestkommanderende til skipssjef - med hovedvekt på relasjonsperspektivet?

In my thesis I have given the Norwegian Navy, and current Commanders specific attention. I have emphasized the psychosocial, relational, and interpersonal changes that take place when one’s position is transformed from a trained laborer to a leader or commanding position. Has the promotion to a higher command changed their established relationships? Do they find the need to renegotiate or re-establish their relationships? In researching this issue I have chosen to interview many of today’s Commanders in the Norwegian Navy. They have shared their personal experiences regarding their role transition, and how their promotion has changed their relationships. The participants described their role change as having a substantial influence, specifically the added responsibility. All participants agreed that relational skills were vital for a leader, and that the bond of those relationships were essential part needed to accomplish missions as a team. It was also noted that is was not necessarily important to experience a private relationship with those under command to acquire the co-worker relationship needed to perfor their duties effectively. During the interview process all participants mentioned the experience of the Commander course, however their opinions were different. Some were of the opinion that the course had little to do with their coming role as a Commander. Some described the course as a necessary experience to move forward to their new position, while others say it may have helped them make the shift to their new position. It was interesting to note that those interviewed experienced no change to their current and previous relationships, however their new enviroment did change their approach to establishing new ones. In my analysis I found that those participating experienced no change in their own personal identity