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Whenever I think of the attributes I most admire in a family member, friend, employee, or business colleague, the term Loyalty is always the first that comes to mind. Though its definition immediately aligns itself with other fine qualities like integrity, allegiance, truth and dedication, like many other words, it remains subject to justification and for that reason, the word loyalty becomes obscure and nebulous. Because loyalty, in its most pristine sense, is a characteristic I genuinely value, and because the state of being loyal is one to which I constantly aspire, I am often troubled by those philosophical ideologies predisposed to loyalty to oneself as first and foremost. Yet, it is this very principle that continues to destroy personal and professional relationships, that brings-down companies, governments, even entire countries. When or why has it become so problematic ...so challenging to practice loyalty? A few years back, as we all witnessed the demise of Enron, the fall of some of the oldest and most prestigious financial institutions in our nation's history and the madness associated with the Madoff scandal, the underlying culprit was perceived to be greed. But when all is said and done, greed is nothing more than the absence of loyalty....the inability to maintain allegiance to the people and the causes with which you have been entrusted. I would venture to suggest that as each honorable code was being violated during these and other corrupt and unprincipled business decisions the perpetrators rationalized their actions as the pursuit of loyalty...loyalty to an entitlement sought for themselves. As CEOs, in today's corporate world, we deal with the duplicitous all the time. Actually, ruthlessness is often an attribute admired in many of the world's most successful corporate and political leaders. Sadly, anyone with a conscience supported by unwavering loyalty is perceived as weak, representing a ripe-for-the-picking opportunity for the unscrupulous poacher to pounce. If this week in history has taught us anything, it's that it takes strength to be loyal; it takes tolerance to be brave; it takes a moral compass to navigate life honorably. Loyal behavior is not the "fast way to profits" but in the long run, it is the only sustainable way. The truth always reveals itself. Sometimes it is immediate. Other times it takes years. Greed and egomania are very expensive and an unhealthy character traits. Choose wisely. Choose your friends, employees and business colleagues wisely. First earn their respect and then insist on their loyalty. You can't fake loyalty. Fakers are greedy SOB's who think they can trick karma. If you have any business experience you can probably identify the "fakers" who, through the fate of karma, "got theirs." When you "get yours" make sure you are getting earned acknowledgement and financial gain based on loyal and honorable behavior. Choose wisely. Edward DuCoin, CEO ORPICAL Group Ed DuCoin is the CEO of ORPICAL Group, known for his success in growing a small company into a thriving organization that was listed as one of the 500 Fastest Growing Companies for three consecutive years by INC. Magazine. http://edwardducoin.com http://www.orpical.com
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