JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
"Loyalty means nothing unless it has at its heart the absolute principle of self-sacrifice." (Woodrow Wilson)
Loyalty can be defined as faithfulness or adherence to a government, leader or cause. The Professional Development Guide explains loyalty under the section Service before Self: "Airmen are loyal to their leaders, fellow Airmen and the institution they serve." The basic definitions have been provided; however, there is still an underlying phrase that should be considered ... "wanting to be part of the organization."
Understanding how loyalty boosts organizational effectiveness is paramount. Airmen, Sailors and Soldiers are a vital resource for all organizations, especially since they represent a significant investment in terms of training, recruiting and leadership. If these folks are loyal to the organization then others will see this and want to be a part of the organization.
Loyalty must support the ideals surrounding the big picture. Each person should have an understanding of how loyalty to the organization fits into the grand scheme. Loyalty to only one person can hinder operations or mission effectiveness. Loyalty is letting your boss know that he or she should be focusing on X not Y. Ultimately the final decision is the commanding officer's but once the decision is made, we show our loyalty by supporting that decision.
The time to hash out differences is behind closed doors. Once the door opens, there should be no more public discourse on the matter.
If there is a breakdown in the loyalty within an organization, people will quickly pick up on it. On the flip side, if one has complete loyalty within an organization, then this unit would shine like a star in the sky. An example of loyalty is completing the boss' tasks as if they were your own. Supporting and defending ideas or a decision from the top is a must.
If you are not loyal to the organization, then you must be set free. There is a considerable expense for replacing an employee, whether it is the Wal-Mart greeter or a Congressman. These people have had time and money invested into them for training and leadership; now the organization must pay the cost to train new people. Anything less than a loyal, productive worker will cost an organization time, money or morale. Performance goal setting and reviews are important tools to reemphasize loyalty to the organization or for weeding out those that are less than loyal.
Understanding loyalty and the ramifications that surround this term is of the utmost importance. If loyalty is absent, the team will falter. If loyalty is at the front, the team will prosper. The greater the level of loyalty to the group, the greater the motivation is among members to achieve success within the organization.