The Three Ships: Navigating Partnerships, Relationships, and Friendships in Business and Military Life

This article is dedicated to Thomas Eggerling Marine, ret., TS-SCI , who introduced me to the concept of the three ships while attending Cornerstone.

As a Marine with a few years of experience, I have witnessed firsthand the value and importance of three specific ships. No, I’m not referring to the Nina, the Pinta or the Santa Maria. The three ships are: partnerships, relationships, and friendships. These powerful vessels have the potential to help us achieve success in both the business world and military operations. I will be discussing each of these ships in detail, providing insights on how to build them and why they are crucial in various aspects of our lives.

Partnerships

In the context of business and military operations, partnerships are strategic collaborations between two or more parties, working together to achieve common goals. These alliances can take various forms, such as joint ventures, contractual agreements, or informal collaborations. A solid partnership is built on trust, clear communication, and a shared vision.

In the military, partnerships are essential for enhancing operational capabilities and promoting regional stability. By collaborating with allies, we can pool our resources, knowledge, and expertise, resulting in a more effective and efficient force. Similarly, in the business world, partnerships can lead to innovation, growth, and increased market share.

Relationships

Relationships are the connections we form with others, whether they are personal or professional in nature. In both the business and military worlds, establishing and maintaining strong relationships is critical for success. Positive relationships with colleagues, superiors, and subordinates can lead to improved morale, increased productivity, and a more cohesive team.

In the military, solid relationships facilitate the flow of information, promote mutual trust, and create an environment where everyone feels comfortable voicing their opinions and concerns. The same holds true in the business world, where strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and employees can lead to increased loyalty, more effective communication, and ultimately, better business outcomes.

Friendships

Friendships, while not always the primary focus in professional settings, hold immense value in both the business and military worlds. Genuine friendships provide emotional support, foster camaraderie, and contribute to a positive working environment. These bonds often serve as the foundation for trusting partnerships and strong relationships.

In the military, friendships can help service members cope with the stressors of their jobs, alleviate feelings of isolation, and provide a support network during difficult times. In the business world, friendships can lead to increased job satisfaction, improved teamwork, and better overall performance.

Building Ships with a Handshake and a Smile

As a Senior Marine, I always encourage my fellow Marines to build ships no matter where they go. One of the most effective tools in our arsenal for building these ships is a simple handshake and a smile. This seemingly small gesture can be the first step in forging strong partnerships, relationships, and friendships, and it has the potential to open doors and create opportunities in both the business and military worlds.

In conclusion, the three ships—partnerships, relationships, and friendships—are essential for success in both business and military operations. By fostering these connections, we can enhance our capabilities, strengthen our teams, and ultimately achieve our goals. Let's continue to build ships, using our most powerful weapons: a handshake and a smile.

Troy Black

Scott Hamm

Sael Garcia

Howard Kreamer

Mario A. M.

Dr. Gene Coughlin, RBLP-T

Brandon Pope

Vanessa Clark