Employee Loyalty
The True Test


The last question I ask during an interview is "What is the single most important quality that you, as an employee, could offer us, as your employer?"

I hear everything from
:

  • Come to work on time
  • Be nice to everyone; even if you hate their guts
  • Don't drink on the job - drink before you come
  • Well, the single most important thing is to work hard, be productive, give 100% effort if possible, show up every day, ...........................I finally stopped her.  Perhaps she needs to check her thesaurus before answering a questions that has the word 'Single' in it.

     

Recognize what your relationship with the other person should be, and guide your actions by that pattern. Employees should take personal interest in the employer's success, and this goal would preclude stealing trade secrets and wasting work time. Employers ought to recompense employees justly and support employees' responsibilities in family and community.

If someone does wrong, do not make wild accusations or react solely on the basis of how the situation affects you. Show loyalty by addressing the issue with the person directly.

Failure to address issues communicates indifference toward the relationship, and discussing the issues with others communicates betrayal. Do not hide behind easy modes of communication such as e-mail, and do not use someone else as a go-between or a messenger.

Appeal to moral principles in a way the other person can understand. If you need to discuss your thoughts with someone, find wise advisors who will have the courage and honesty to tell you where you are wrong.

This process may require some time and several conversations. If your influence alone cannot prevail upon a person to seriously consider the issues, involve someone you both respect. If this fails, you might have to step back for a period of time.

 The difference between loyalty and bitterness lies in the loyal person's willingness to give the offender another opportunity to address the problems.