Loyalty

For years I’ve heard leaders pontificate on the topic of loyalty.  Loyalty is usually espoused as a virtue, to be coveted in organizational behavior.

Generally, I have seen it in organizational literature and heard it in the language of leaders trying to muster support, and usually, acquiescence. 

That appeal (often packaged as an implied demand) for loyalty has never resonated with me.

Here’s why:  Loyalty to an organization or to a person is something that has to be earned.  

Not coerced.

Not requested.  

Not demanded.  

Not artificially fabricated.

Folks are loyal to organizations because they believe in the vision/mission that the organization espouses or represents.  

Folks are loyal to people because of the integrity, credibility, and trustworthiness they embody.

Speechifying about loyalty does nothing to foster loyalty.  In fact, it seems to lessen its prospects.