Those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness. Proverbs 14:22
Why is loyalty such a vital leadership attribute?
Scripture, including Proverbs 3:3-4, describes the importance of loyalty and the positive outcomes of loyalty.
Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favour and good repute in the sight of God and of people. Proverbs 3:3-4
In most circumstances, loyalty is a positive quality and a strength in both leaders and followers. Words like faithfulness, obedience, commitment, and devotion describe what loyalty looks like. Successful leaders who intentionally strive to earn the trust and loyalty of their followers are those with high character and integrity.
But what happens when leaders demand complete loyalty from their followers? When they insist that their followers do not question and must unthinkingly follow the leader’s words and actions, even if the leader rejects what is right, fair, and reasonable.
This type of loyalty is blind loyalty and “turns into fanaticism when it becomes wild and unreasoning and into resignation when it displays the characteristics of reluctant acceptance”.
Initially, followers fall into line and ignore the consequences that may result in harm. They rarely question and hold these leaders accountable who lead by fear, threats, and demand unquestioning commitment. As time passes, the negativity and harm become increasingly evident, and as followers begin to experience it, they either accept it, disengage, or, in some cases, leave.
At its worst, this type of environment, fostered by such leadership, ultimately can lead to polarization, betrayal, division, and, sadly, the break-up of families, organizations, communities, and even countries.
I do not see any appreciable benefits from aimlessly following leaders who insist upon unquestioning loyalty. That type of loyalty is utilizing a leadership attribute to the extreme; the principle of a strength gone too far, which in fact turns into a weakness.
The problem is that even a strength, pushed too far, done to an extreme, misused, or used in the wrong situation, can turn into a weakness and produce negative results. Every strength has a dark side. It’s important to know when you are crossing over to the dark side and turning a strength into a weakness.
Linda O’Brien
There is little doubt that loyalty is an integral leadership attribute if used appropriately, but as Linda O’Brien shares, there can be a dark side if loyalty is demanded. Too many leaders, especially some leaders prominent in current political entities, are unfortunately utilizing this attribute inappropriately and recklessly. In their relentless pursuit of ambition and power, they are creating damage and chaos.
Be mindful of your words and actions as you attempt to foster leadership loyalty. Effective leaders invite and respect the voices, thoughts, and questions of their followers. These leaders utilize this leadership strength effectively to create an environment where followers are committed, contribute, and succeed.
Be a leader who sees loyalty as a “leadership superpower that can’t be rushed, bought, or traded. It is forged over time by the consistent and intentional actions of a good leader with high character.” Admired Leadership Field Notes.