Few things are more devastating than being used and abused by those you support. Disloyalty burns like no other burn. Disloyalty demoralizes.
Strength
The strength of an organization is expressed by the loyalty of its people. Military organizations, for example, thrive because members disadvantage themselves for the advantage of others.
Giving
Calling for loyalty demands reciprocity. Sacrifice of life calls for loyalty to the fallen. “No man left behind,” is the flip side of, “Give your life for the cause.” If you want loyalty, give it.
Have you ever heard the bull crap line, “I need you too much to promote you”? Never be loyal to those who are disloyal.
Loyalty is seen when …
1. Gossip is rejected. All gossip is disloyalty.
2. Serving others rises above serving oneself.
3. Disagreement is encouraged and honored. People who won’t engage in constructive disagreement believe they’ll be thrown under the bus when it’s convenient.
4. People own their decisions, even if they disagreed with others in the process of making them.
5. Everyone is held to consistent standards. Those higher in organizations should never enjoy benefits at the expense of others.
6. Leaders take blame and share credit.
Sacrifice
Disadvantaging oneself for others isn’t sacrifice when values align; it’s an honor. Standing for something enables you to stand with your team.
Mistakes
Loyalty is best seen in the context of mistakes and shortcomings. Few things stir the soul more than standing with someone who fell short. Loyalty for loyalty’s sake, however, is foolish.
Stand with those who acknowledge mistakes and make corrections. Reject those who hide mistakes and persist. Standing with demonstrates and invites loyalty.
Few things bring out the best in others more than loyalty. Who are you standing with? Who stands with you?
How and when do you express loyalty?
Have you seen loyalty at work?
