What is Loyalty?
'Tis the season of loyalty to football in the South. Team colors are everywhere! Little girls appear as mini cheerleaders and little boys cover their shoulder pads with jerseys in their favorite team colors and top it with a matching helmet. There is no doubt as to what teams these youngsters and their parents show their loyalty. For many, team loyalty means pulling for those on the field, win or lose. For others, once their team falls out of the winning bracket, loyalty quickly fades.
True loyalty is definitely more than just football. Loyalty is of utmost importance in our daily lives--with our families, among friends and acquaintances, in the workplace, and in service to others. Those who lack the personal convictions to uphold what is right and true, rarely show dependability or loyalty. Rather, they are "fair weather" friends which make individuals they are in contact with feel less than important.
Family members who are loyal are involved with each other and every effort is made to pay attention to interests and hobbies of others, applaud their goals and offer encouragement and support when things are tough.
A loyal person will not stand by and listen silently when someone is unfairly criticized. Silence implies agreement. A loyal person will look for the good in others, and give them credit for it, even if they have had conflicts. If slandered, a loyal person rises above the situation and does not retaliate. Each of us must search for ways to show loyalty in relationships by looking beyond expectations and finding ways to benefit others. When someone experiences a family tragedy, find ways to give practical assistance.
Employees who are not loyal are uncommitted employees, resentful when others succeed, and are apt to pass on unflattering remarks and gossip. A loyal employee will support goals of the organization and won't circumvent supervisors or co-employees to attain goals. A loyal employee is a team player. A loyal citizen will make an effort to show consideration and commitment to others to preserve and maintain good relationships in the family, workplace and community.
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The Prattville-Autauga Character Coalition's mission is to strengthen our communities by promoting excellence in character for each citizen.
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