Now, I’m not referring to loyalty between a husband and a wife. I believe it’s often the basis of those relationships. For my husband and me, it’s just understood. He’s my rock. When needed, we stand up for one another without question.
Loyalty is often about having someone’s back. It’s about taking a stand for what’s right. It’s about standing up as a leader.
Speaking of leadership, I think often it’s a generational thing being comfortable stepping up , even if it means overruling someone who reports to you. Leaders who are loyal and humble feel comfortable doing this. Maybe I should put the word “leader” in quotes…. So many leaders aren’t that at all.
Here’s an example. I recently heard a story from a former colleague who was part of a layoff after being at a company for about 20 years. He wrote to both the company president and the CEO who were two different people. The president didn’t respond to him at all. Crickets.Alternately, the CEO hand addressed an envelope and hand wrote a letter to him that was very complimentary and offered, with authenticity, to be a reference and to help him in any way he could. Each person responded in such opposite ways which indicated which person was actually a leader who put actions behind his words.
Companies have absolutely no loyalty to individuals, whether a full-time employee or contractor. I’ve actually learned, the hard way, that staffing firms have no loyalty to their contractors. They only have the company at its center.
That’s why, in this regard, I’m ok with no loyalty to an employer or a staffing firm. Loyalty should be a two-way street, but it’s not when an company or firm is involved.
I’d rather be the loyal person willing to take a stand for those who are important to me. That only includes my husband and daughter. Period.
