Leadership can difficult and exhilarating all on the same day. Heck, it can be both those things in the same minute. Many times, those difficult situations shed light on our own character and the character of person who is around you. What kind of people are around you? What kind of person can serve your organization well? What kind of person should you look to hire? Let me suggest a simple concept to consider.
If you get jumped in a dark alley, surround yourself with people that will fight ‘til the death with you and for you.
OK, so it may be little dramatic but, you get the idea. Loyalty is everything. When you know that you know your people are always standing with you, it is a wonderful place to be. But when the going gets tough and you realize the people you thought were going to be there for you just left, that’s a bad day.
Sadly, it appears that the idea of being loyal to an organization is less of a trait than it used to be. We live in a “what can you do for me today?” culture now. I can remember when the example of a microwave and a traditional oven was the way you illustrated the difference between modern technology and “old school” food preparation. Now, we live in a culture that stands in front of the microwave and complains that it takes too long to heat or reheat the food. Instant gratification is the now the norm and with that comes a severe that of commitment and loyalty.
Times change. Society adapts, and well it should. But there are some guiding principles that we ought not be so quick to give up on. I believe loyalty to an organization is one of those that should stay the test of time. Finding talent in this new generation that understands the idea of loyalty can be difficult. But let’s not blame them for all the disloyalty. I’ll bet they have had role models that have incrementally moved the loyalty line away from its original position. Give that some thought.