I was raised in a family that valued loyalty above all else. Standing by each of my family members to show the world around us that we were first for each other, was our manta. Even when one of us was a little bit too outspoken or someone inadvertently backed our car into a friend’s car parked opposite our driveway, my parents and siblings took the fall together.
It is not surprising that I place loyalty as one of my critical values to live by, both in my personal and professional life. I have imparted that value on my own family, who are probably the most loyal people you will ever meet. I bring loyalty to my friendships, making sure to “have each one’s back.” I value being a loyal colleague and collaborator, going to bat for people in my work world.
Why is loyalty so important?
What does loyalty look like?
Why should loyalty matter to leaders?
[Tweet “When leaders value loyalty, they value relationships. “]
When leaders value loyalty they are also value trustworthiness. Just as my family handed down to me the importance of being loyal, leaders can model loyalty with their teams and co-workers. When loyalty permeates the workplace, there is a sense of belonging and a commitment to collaboration. With loyal team members, there is higher performance because everyone feels accountable and responsible for the end result. Each person wants to do their best and contribute because each individual feels they matter.
These are four ways to bring loyalty to your work world:
1. BE TRUSTWORTHY
The first step to lead with loyalty is to be someone who people trust. You will be trusted if you share your vulnerabilities as well as follow through on doing what you say you will do. Being trustworthy means keeping confidences yet sharing information that team members need to be successful in their jobs. It takes time to build trust and leaders need to be patient with this.
2. BE A SUPPORTER
Being loyal means giving credit to others and helping them move along their ideas and suggestions. It involves going out on a limb to promote someone’s project that might be controversial. If a team member or a colleague asks for some help because you have a certain expertise, support them by extending yourself.
3. BE A GUIDE
When I work with clients, I spend a great deal of time listening to understand their true concerns and challenges. Once I grasp what is needed, I try to discover the solutions through asking empowering questions. I may ask:
“What do you hope will change after the leadership training workshops?”
“What are the biggest concerns you want me to address to be most helpful?”
“What does success look like to you?”
[Tweet “When leaders offer guidance, they cultivate loyalty.”]
4. BE GENEROUS
Generosity is key to loyalty. Clearing our desks off and setting time aside for the people we connect with each day helps form meaningful relationships. We are generous leaders when we:
- Tell someone what a great job they did with their contribution to the project
- Celebrate a team birthday or milestone
- Offer our insights to a colleague that they may not have considered
- Bring them lunch or coffee
- Ask them how their family is doing
- Give them time off for putting in extra time
How do you lead with loyalty? What ways do you show your loyalty?
COMING APRIL 20TH- “ENERGIZE YOUR LEADERSHIP”
Terri – I love knowing the stories that caused us to be who we are. …Your family sounds amazing!
Loyalty is such an important value and one that seems to be on the endangered species list in workplaces and in homes.
I wonder what our world would look like if more people felt a sense of belonging and commitment…
My family is a very interesting cast of characters but we do support and root for each other.
Loyalty has gone out of style for many organizations and the result is employees don’t feel a deep commitment either. We need to find a way for leaders to bring back loyalty and model a more collaborative and appreciative work world.
Thanks Chery!
There are many people I know who argue that companies are no longer loyal, why should we be loyal? Loyalty is an individual choice and it’s one that leaders make… loyalty to their people, the team. At-will employment doesn’t change our need to be generous, trustworthy or a compassionate guide to others.
With you, Terri!
Great point that just because we might be hired as contract status or at-will doesn’t mean we shouldn’t lead with the highest standards.
Loyalty comes from our own value system and says a great deal of how we connect with the people in our lives. Strong leaders recognize the importance of building trust and empowering accountability. Loyalty is a key ingredient towards developing a team of loyal members.
As always, I appreciate you adding to our conversation, Alli!
Terri, This is great! Loyalty is big for me too. It’s really important for us to know that about ourselves. Because… there have been times that I get really twisted up when someone betrays me, and don’t respond well. Knowing what we care about deeply helps us have more productive responses.
What a great realization, Karin that just knowing how we react when we feel someone is not being loyal, can help us prepare for a healthier response.
Loyalty is a behavior that is not always at the top of many leader’s lists, yet really can impact the dynamics of any relationship as well as team interactions. When we are loyal and we can model loyalty, then high performing collaborations will result.
Thanks Karin for your helpful additions to the conversation!