LOYALTY — MANAGEMENT'S
FORGOTTEN TRAIT

By JAMES L. MAZUREK, Lieutenant of Police
Lombard Police Department

Think back for a moment, have you heard the word "loyalty" for awhile? It seems like the word "loyalty" is becoming extinct in today's modern management's vocabulary. Both the new and old manager/supervisor should concern themselves with the reasons why it isn't used anymore and what is the true understanding of loyalty. Should an individual strive to become loyal to his or her superior and employer? Does today's supervisor truly comprehend the meaning of loyalty? Does he or she really care?

Loyalty is a very powerful word if used correctly. There is absolutely nothing wrong in being loyal in your work. The majority of supervisors want their subordinates to be loyal to them regarding their work related responsibilities, but does the buck stop there? Is loyalty only for subordinates? Should a supervisor be loyal to his or her boss? The common correct answer should be a definite yes. There are not too many managers/supervisors you can really count and depend on as being loyal to their agency/employer. Just look around and observe.

Loyalty will not even be found in many personal Performance Evaluation Reports. In most cases loyalty isn't even brought up during an evaluation time between the subordinate and supervisor. How does one measure loyalty? Can loyalty be measured?

"Loyal" according to Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary means "unswerving in allegiance; faithful in allegiance to one's lawful sovereign or government; faithful to a private person to whom fidelity is due; faithful to a cause, ideal, or custom."¹

Loyalty must be made part of management's everyday vocabulary if a supervisor wants to succeed as a progressive manager in today's highly competitive and demanding world. Subordinates should be well informed on the following about loyalty:

• The Meaning;
• The Expectations — both yours and the employer's;
• The Consequences; and,
• The Rewards.

As one looks through books and magazines on management, attends seminars and in-service training programs, one will notice that the term loyalty is left completely out. The question is why? Is it automatically presumed that every manager/supervisor and individual will be loyal to his or her employer and/or that loyalty comes with age, knowledge and experience.

If loyalty is so important then why is it hard to find among our own managers and people. Does one want to be loyal? Is loyalty alright for the next person but not for you?

Loyalty starts within the individual wanting to be loyal to his or her boss/employer. Being loyal means accomplishing a personal goal. If you want your subordinates to be loyal to you, then you must also display loyalty to them and to your supervisors. Loyalty is for everyone, all ranks, titles, positions, etc. Loyalty knows no difference between color, race, sex, etc. Also, it exhibits no bias, no prejudice and no discrimination.

Loyalty covers many personal traits such as the following:

• To work
• To the immediate supervisor
• To the employer
• To the organization, its' mission, goals and objectives
• To ourself
• To one's personal beliefs
• To one's subordinates
• To one's family, friends, etc.

March 1989 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 21

Loyalty is connected with a good self image, knowing and understanding what one can accomplish through dedicated and faithful service, work, performance, attitude and demeanor.

The important question is, are you loyal to your agency, superior, subordinates, etc.? If not, what must be done to achieve this personal goal? Do you want your subordinates to act as you do? Who must change first? Since a manager is automatically a role model for others to follow, the change must start with oneself. If you expect and demand loyalty from others, then you must also show loyalty to your own superiors and employer. Loyalty is not a one-way street, it knows no certain direction. Loyalty must and will always be a two-way street with interconnecting roads.

Overall, loyalty must be practiced, used and displayed throughout the work day. Loyalty must be used synonymously with management. When the term "Management" is mentioned, loyalty should automatically come into play. Management and loyalty must not be separated. Loyalty must be rewarded from above in the Chain of Command. As managers/supervisors acting as a change agent, loyalty can become a well defined, professionally used, meaningful, work environment word. •

Page 22 / Illinois Municipal Review / March 1989