IT HAS BEEN SAID that loyalty is fleeting. In many cases this is true. Boasting of loyalty while not actually feeling it or acting loyally is to be at best a pretender. Loyalty like trust and respect must be earned. Once earned it must be preserved.
To go through life without having a sense of loyalty to someone or to something means you have not lived. At one point during our time on this planet we develop a sense of closeness or attachment to a living being or something more abstract to the point that through thick and thin you are or were there. That is loyalty personified.
Asking to whom you are loyal is an attempt to have you mentally examine those that you have bestowed this honor to and why. It is not my intent to get you to rethink your loyalties but rather to come up with a consensus of the qualities you deem necessary for you to feel and act in this manner.
I am loyal to my friend as he has always been there for me. I am loyal to my boss because he has always treated me fairly. I am loyal to my family as without them I have nothing. I am loyal to my faith as it keeps me grounded. I am loyal to my players as they have always played hard for me and did everything I asked them to do. These are just a few of the hundred s of million examples of where people place their loyalty.
Pretending to be loyal? How and why could or would somebody do that? In the often cut-throat survival of the fittest world of business this is not uncommon. You want to move up on the ladder quicker than you are now proceeding so you pick the one person who you think can help you win that which you desire and you then become that person’s biggest booster. Once he has helped you achieve your goals you toss him away like you would an empty styrofoam cup of coffee. The aforementioned is a clear snapshot of a synopsis that can translate itself into many similar yet different situations.
Is being loyal or having loyalty a dying soon to be extinct concept or feeling? As evidenced above we live in a very different age than anytime we can remember. It would seem logical (thank you Mr. Spock) that in lieu of the above we must not only carry on the “tradition” of loyalty but with the idea of placing loyalty onto only those who as demonstrated by their actions deserve it.
On a personal note let me enthusiastically say THANK YOU to all of you who take precious time from your day to read &/or comment on my work wherever you are seeing it. It continues to be an outstanding experience to even in a small way to be involved with you. The loyalty (there’s that word again) you have shown to my work and me is very humbling. Thank you all once again.
Great article, once again! I believe in society today that loyalty is just a word to most. They don’t understand the true definition and value of loyalty. Loyalty to me is one of the keys to a successful relationship. Without which, our society is just meaningless promises left unfilled.
Loyalty is a quality we should not only seek in others but also one we should strive to cultivate in ourselves. Being trustworthy, responsible and dependable are areas in which we can all focus on improving. And the results can be not only greater career or financial success, but a deepened sense of personal fulfillment. It’s an immensely satisfying feeling when we are worthy of someone’s loyalty.
Ahndrea, Thank you for your insightful comments. In your opinion what would be the best way(s) to cultivate loyalty in ourselves along with others? If I may also ask how do we know (if there is a way) if a person is truly loyal or they are just using somebody as vehicle to obtain a greater good for themselves. Please remember there are no right or wrong answers to these questions as I am conducting a dialogue to gauge people’s feelings about issues, etc.