By: Brent Longnecker | Caden Conn
"Loyalty is what makes us trust. Trust is what makes us stay.
Staying is what makes us love. And love is what gives us hope!"
I believe the art and power of loyalty are being lost, and it's crucial to how we live, build our families, create "community,” and exist in the purposefulness of hope and happiness.
What is Loyalty?
Loyalty is the desire and commitment to be faithful, supportive, and protective of the other person we care for. It creates a "bridge" of emotional, personal, and/or professional commitment.
Loyalty can help build strong relationships and social support and improve one's mental well-being.
"If you don't know the value of loyalty, you'll never understand the damage of betrayal."
I was always the most loyal employee you could ever imagine. Looking back, I know how amazingly blessed I was, so being grateful and loyal was easy. But today, we have genuinely and unfortunately lost the value and understanding of why being loyal - to the right individuals - and issues are so key. Why is loyalty critical?
1. Commitment: Loyalty involves a deep commitment and dedication to a person, organization, or cause. It implies being steadfast and reliable even in challenging times.
2. Trust: Trust is a crucial element of loyalty. It means having confidence in someone and relying on their integrity, honesty, and dependability. Ultimately, loyalty is built on the foundation of trust.
3. Faithfulness: Loyalty entails remaining faithful and devoted to the object of loyalty. It means staying true to one's commitments, promises, and obligations and not being easily swayed by greed, jealousy, temptations, and other external influences.
4. Support: Loyalty often provides support, loyalty, encouragement, and assistance to those we are loyal to. It means standing by their side, offering help when needed, and, most importantly, being there through thick and thin.
5. Longevity: Loyalty is not a feeling or a temporary trait. "Loyalty is not a word; it’s a lifestyle." Loyalty extends beyond immediate gratification and is rooted in the purposefulness of building long and excellent win-win relationships.
6. Open Communication: Effective communication plays a vital role in loyalty. Being open and honest in expressing thoughts, concerns, and expectations fosters trust and strengthens long-term relationships and bonds.
7. Respect: Loyalty also goes hand-in-hand with respect. Treating others respectfully and valuing their opinions, feelings, and needs are essential for building and maintaining loyal connections.
8. Community and Social Cohesion: Loyalty is critical in building community and fostering social cohesion. My wife is part of a weekly women's group, and I love it. They are so loyal to one another, and they all share and work toward their collective well-being -- creating an amazing sense of belonging, shared purpose, and community.
In summary, you are either a loyal person or not -- this is very black and white. Loyalty is critical for all of us because it provides trust, emotional security, strong/lasting relationships, personal growth, teamwork, integrity, resilience, and a sustainable community. It enhances our quality of life and makes the world we live in better. The art and spirit of loyalty are something we need to reignite with intention and action.
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