The Seven Ships of a Successful Organization

Glen Jackson, co-founder of Jackson Spalding, is a lifelong student of words. Reflecting on what drives sustained organizational growth, he realized that several crucial concepts share a common anchor: the suffix "ship". From that single observation, this piece began to take shape and set sail. Below, he offers his perspective on leadership, relationships, mentorship, and the other core "ships" that define thriving leaders and enduring organizations.

What makes the best organizations sail?

While there are numerous factors, I believe there are seven “ships” that help all successful organizations sail.

The first is leadership. Everything rises and falls on leadership, as John Maxwell wisely says.

I have worked with some exceptional leaders over the years. They all have something in common. They never coast, and they never boast. They serve others first and pave the way with a humble and hungry attitude. This attitude is a key differentiator.

The second “ship” is relationships. Every thriving business possesses relational wealth. They are relationally rich. How? Through a steady and genuine investment in the people who matter most to them. It’s a long-term, low-pressure commitment that eventually bears fruit over time.

I believe there are two types of returns in our working world: ROI (return on investment) and ROR (return on relationships). ROR should never be underestimated. Treasure people more than possessions in your career as well as in your life. It’s the best way to go.

Let’s now look at the third “ship,” mentorship. Displaying a mentoring mindset and a disciplined process here can elevate an organization to greater heights. Mentoring others helps individuals within any organization actualize their full potential and grow significantly both as professionals and as people.

Establish an impactful mentoring program and watch what happens as you maintain the intentionality and focus needed on this pivotal front.

Our fourth “ship” is stewardship. That’s right. Stewardship.

This one is about overseeing your organization well and safeguarding it dutifully by remaining true to your values and purpose, protecting and nurturing what you have been given and aiming for extraordinary excellence every day. No resting on your laurels as a steward of your precious enterprise.

Our next “ship” is entrepreneurship. This one matters to any business, large or small.

The best companies keep their entrepreneurial spirit burning brightly. They move forward with an always-get-better-and-innovate approach.

Keep shaping the clay of your organization, embracing the challenges and opportunities with a determined and positive way of thinking. Speaking of thinking, never stop thinking outside the box and swimming upstream.

Jettison the status quo as much as you can.

You see the juice is worth the squeeze on the most worthwhile entrepreneurial journeys.

Another important “ship” on our list is craftsmanship. This one is about honing your craft, mastering it - to always be moving up the learning curve and fine tuning your skills and acumen along the way.

The best businesses I’ve seen have leaders who are inveterate students. They are in “class” everyday at their respective jobs, teaching and learning constantly. The end result is they master all the skills needed to be superior and shine in their field.

Our final “ship” is citizenship. The opportunity to give back to your community is a real privilege.

Don’t take the task lightly. It matters in our world more than ever now. So do great work and good works within your organization. It’s a powerful combination that is noticed and respected by others who are observing you make a difference as a steadfast community advocate and community leader.

Well, these are our seven ships. All different, all essential, all meaningful.

I hope these “ships” can help you sail in dynamic ways and reach new heights as an organization. I am cheering you on!

Strength for the journey.

Bio

Glen Jackson co-founded Jackson Spalding in 1995, providing leadership for the agency, its clients and organizations seeking inspiration. He specializes in real estate, professional services, crisis communications and nonprofit marketing. In 2018, he authored 'Preeminence,' which explores how organizations achieve market leadership.

Glen began his PR career in 1985, becoming deputy managing director at an international firm by 1994. Recognized by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of Atlanta’s top PR professionals, he earned PRSA’s George Goodwin Award for Community Service, honors for his Habitat for Humanity campaign and a nomination for President Bush’s 'Thousand Points of Light' award.

An Atlanta native, Glen serves on the boards of Oglethorpe University, Woodruff Arts Center, Midtown Alliance and Tull Charitable Foundation. In 2013, the Atlanta Rotary Club honored him with the Ivan Allen Club Service Award. His civic work includes serving as past board chair for Atlanta Mission.

Glen graduated cum laude from Washington and Lee University, where he played varsity soccer. He has guest lectured at Emory University and USC, and delivered Georgia College & State University’s 2020 commencement address. He and his wife, Claire, have three children.