Re-examining the Foundational Values

Loyalty: The state of being loyal; a feeling of faith or allegiance.
Loyalty is not blind. It is much more than simply following orders. Loyalty can only be earned through deeds and actions that are just and consistent. If you want to earn loyalty from the people you hire, from the people you work for, or from those with whom you have business relationships, you must earn it through your actions and deeds. It is imperative that you display the loyalty to your company, to your partner, to your customers and to your loved ones. False loyalty does nothing but undermine the foundation of the enterprise that you have committed yourself.

George Washington, in his inaugural address said: “The foundations of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality; and the preeminence of free government be exemplified by the attributes which can win the affections of its citizens, and command the respect of the world. I dwell on this prospect with every satisfaction which an ardent love for my country can aspire; since there is no truth more thoroughly established, than that there exists in the economy and course of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness, between duty and advantage, between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity . . .”

Washington’s life was an incredible example of love of country, of fellow man and of God. The loyalty that he displayed to the cause of freedom, even in its darkest hour, has made the father of our country such an example that the word “loyalty” is forever associated with his name.

There are going to be times that you may want to criticize those for whom you work. If you must judge them, make sure that your judgment is just, and that both sides of the story are known and understood.

Also remember that loyalty is a two-way street. It is not only important for employees to be loyal to the company, those who are responsible for management have an obligation to be morally and ethically loyal to their employees.

Since before Enron and still today, we hear many stories about top managers of large companies saying one thing to their employees, and privately doing something completely the opposite. It is not surprising that these incidents have had an incredible effect on the loyalty that employees feel for their companies. No doubt, many employees would like to feel loyalty, but how can they when they’ve been deceived?

Loyalty implies unswerving allegiance to someone or something for consistent honest and good behavior.
Be loyal to those in your life who have earned it. Be loyal to yourself and those whom you love. For in the end, there is nothing stronger than the bond that is forged by your commitment and loyalty to those who have put their trust in you.

Dale and Ben Midgley
Co-Founders
The Golden Circle of Business©

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