You've Got to Be Kidding!: How to Keep Your Job Without Losing Your Integrity

The New Loyalty Means Being Committed to Doing the Right Thing

Employees today describe loyalty as a dedication and commitment to doing the right thing for your personal and professional standards, your company’s mission, and your bosses. For example, Kay Enlow, CPS/CAP, past international president of IAAP, states: “I believe our understanding of loyalty has shifted dramatically. I now think of loyalty as a commitment, not blind allegiance. I must remain committed to my personal values and beliefs—what I feel is right or wrong.” Well said! Superintendent of the Ames Water Plant in Ames, Iowa, Philip Propes, concurs by defining the old-fashioned loyalty as compliance:

There are 100 other folks who could “do the job,” so it’s the commitment I’m concerned about. I would much rather have commitment than compliance. I may have good workers who are compliant, but I’ll have excellent workers if they’re committed to doing the right thing.

Enlow (Hallmark, Kansas City) also adds:

When I personally think of “loyalty,” I think more internally . . . it’s more of a dedication or commitment to my employer. I believe dedication and commitment come from a true “buy-in” to your company’s beliefs and values and their goals and objectives. And when you feel aligned to that direction, dedication and commitment just come naturally. Another key indication of this new loyalty is not being afraid to share thoughts and opinions when asked.

In other words, loyalty as commitment includes a commitment to ...