Eating with the crew is part of a captain's personal leadership

Would it help for a captain to dine in public occasionally?

Captains often try to eat with their crew or other officers, although their duties do not always allow it.

Most captains try to share meals with their crews or at least with other officers when possible. Their schedules can prevent it. Dr. Clarke's earlier example concerns a capable, hard-working captain who later reached more senior posts but struggled with the personal side of leadership. The comparison with Victorian command suggests that the interpersonal qualities expected of a captain have changed.