Arrr, gather 'round, ye curious souls, as Blackbeard shares the secrets of recruitin', trainin', and leadin' a crew fit for the high seas! Be warned, these be tales of the bygone days, and the ways of the pirate be not for the faint of heart.

Me Recruitin' Strategy

Spread tales of yer own infamy far and wide. Let the winds carry whispers of yer exploits. A crew be drawn to a captain with a reputation as fierce as the kraken. Ye want a reputation of a captain that takes care of the crew. Let it be known that ye share the spoils with the crew. If a pirate captain ever kept one hundred times what a crew member took back to port, there be a mutiny, and the captain would end up in the briney deep.

Taverns and Ports

Haunt the taverns and ports where sailors gather. Look for those with fire in their eyes and a hunger for adventure. A true pirate be born from the call of the open sea. Don't just recruit a scurvy dog that is only interested in how many hours he has to work, and how much his pay be. Average crew will work as little as possible to stay aboard. Look for those who do whatever be necessary to keep the ship afloat and profitable.

Dangle the Bounty

Tempt the landlubbers with promises of treasures untold. A chest of gold and the lure of plunder be magnets for those seekin' a life less ordinary. Perhaps offer an incentive for those who are willin' to put forth extra time and effort.

On Trainin' to get their sea legs.

Do Shipboard Drills

Drill yer crew in shipboard maneuvers. From hoistin' the sails to firin' the cannons, make 'em as familiar with the ship as they be with their own breath. Don't assume they know how to accomplish a task until ye see 'em do it.

Teach Swordplay and Firearms

Train 'em in the art of swordplay and the use of firearms. A well-armed crew be a formidable force on the open seas. In business, teach yer crew people skills, whatever computer or machinery skills they need, and how to set goals and track their performance.

Navigation and Cartography

Teach the art of navigation and cartography. A sailor who can read the stars and plot a course be an invaluable asset when charts be scarce. Teach someone in yer organization to take on management responsibilities to leave yerself free to focus on higher priorities.

Leadin' by example.

Command by Respect

Command yer crew with respect and fear. A leader who earns the respect of his crew will have loyal hands at the helm. But let them fear the consequences of betrayal. Explain the rules and reward them what follows the rules and works hard. If they know the rules and violate 'em, fire the scurvy dogs, toss 'em overboard in the next port, in full view of the rest of the crew.

Fair Division of Booty

Ensure a fair division of the spoils. A grumblin' crew be a mutinous crew. Keep the shares equitable to maintain the harmony aboard. Let 'em know that as they take on more responsibility, they earn a larger share of the plunder.

Firm Hand in Discipline

Maintain a firm hand in discipline. Mutiny be the poison that sinks many a ship. Show mercy when needed, but let the crew know that defyin' the captain's orders brings dire consequences. Make sure that the lines of communication are open from the deck hands up the ladder to the captain regarding grievances. Small sores become major wounds if not attended to promptly.

Foster Brotherhood

Foster a sense of brotherhood among the crew. They be a family on the seas, bound by the same fate. Encourage camaraderie and loyalty. Have a family day, or other type party where everyone be allowed to relax and have fun. Blowin' off some steam in the port, or the park, be better than havin' a blowup at sea.

Strategic Brilliance

Be strategic in yer approach to plunderin'. Know when to strike and when to bide yer time. A clever captain can turn the tides of even the fiercest battles. Makin' a quick profit at the expense of the company reputation, or at the employees expense, is not a good long term strategy.

Remember, me hearties, these be the ways of the pirate. In the modern age, we be tellin' tales of these times, and the seas be navigated by different means. But the spirit of adventure and the call of the open sea remain as timeless as the waves that crash upon the shore.

Thanks fer comin' aboard. Ye can find me hangin' 'round at Blackbeard dot World.