Loyalty & Alliances: what a 650 year friendship can teach us about business

The Treaty of Windsor - unbroken since 1386

In a world where corporate partnerships shift with the tide and workplace loyalty can feel like a relic of the past, there’s one alliance that stands as a reminder of the power of commitment: the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance. You read that right, Britain and Portugal have been formal allies continuously since 1372. That’s over 650 years of mutual support, diplomacy, and trade.

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Treaty of Tagilde, signed in 1372, in which England and Portugal pledged mutual assistance against common enemies. Just 14 years later, in 1386, the Treaty of Windsor

It all began with the Treaty of Tagilde, signed in 1372, in which England and Portugal pledged mutual assistance against common enemies. Just 14 years later, in 1386, the Treaty of Windsor formally sealed the pact; an agreement of perpetual friendship, mutual defence, and collaboration. And unlike many political alliances, this one has never been broken. In fact, even in recent history, it’s held strong. During WWII, Portugal remained officially neutral, but allowed Britain to use its bases in the Azores, a move that significantly aided Allied operations in the Atlantic. That’s loyalty in action.

What Does This Have to Do with Business?

Plenty.

Too often, organisations chase short-term gains at the cost of long-term relationships. Leaders burn bridges for temporary wins. Teams are pitted against each other in zero-sum games. But history and high performance tell us something different. Strong alliances, grounded in mutual respect and shared values, outlast trends. They unlock trust, enable faster collaboration, and create compounding returns. Whether it’s a partnership between two companies, two colleagues, or two departments, the best results don’t come from who wins today, but from who shows up again and again over time.

Coaching Lesson: Build Your Treaty of Windsor

Whether you’re leading a team, managing your career, or growing a business, ask yourself:

• Who are your strategic allies?

• Are you investing in relationships that stand the test of time - or just chasing quick wins?

• When pressure hits, will people stand with you or watch you?

Now is the time to nurture the alliances that will shape your future.

✅ Pick up the phone.

✅ Make the introduction.

✅ Offer support before it’s asked for.

✅ Honour loyalty when it’s given.

Because when the stakes are high - and they always will be - it won’t be the size of your network that saves you. It’ll be the strength of your alliances.

Build the kind of loyalty that lasts 650 years. Start today.

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