The Essence of Teamwork

Close conditions for loggers.

It is challenging to capture the essence of teamwork that takes place aboard R/V Thompson. I have
viewed the operations through the lens of a middle and high school teacher and have been struck by a number of themes over my first few days that I want to share, with my students especially.

First, is the importance of teamwork. It is so common in secondary school for students to complain about their partners or opt to work on their own. These are the students I try to push even harder to work with others as it is a vital skill. Most of the troubleshooting that takes place aboard R/V Thompson is a collaborative effort requiring more expertise and brainpower than one individual possesses. There is no room for ego or negativity. Levity and laughter are the way people get through challenges. It helps encourage people to bring their ideas and skills forward and it fosters a sense of community.

Complex tasks require many talents.

Second, is the value of work ethic. One of my pet peeves as a teacher is when a student is done with their work and they just sit there. Aboard R/V Thompson there is always work to be done and every person that I have asked to help has given me something to do. I’ve learned some really cool things, like putting terminals on communications cables, how to take water samples from Niskin water bottles, and how to prepare scientific instruments to be deployed on the ocean floor. The idea is, as my dad told me when I was younger: “to give your boss every reason to want to keep you”.

An unusually 'nice' day for
working outside.

Third, is the power of a positive attitude. The people aboard are happy because they are doing what they are passionate about. Every person that I have spoken with says they love their job, appreciate the challenges it provides, and that they enjoy the people they work with. As a result, the atmosphere aboard is extremely positive. Even when a portion of the crew was ailing with seasickness there was a collaborative effort to help them feel better so that we can accomplish the goals of this expedition.

Marty Momsen
Educator on Board