Loyalty Tested

Tonight at Light Force we’re exploring the idea of true loyalty and the high cost of disloyalty. Here’s a quote from Donald Trump’s blog that I’ll be using in my introduction.

On a recent episode of The Apprentice, some people were
surprised that I didn’t fire Rebecca after a rather contentious meeting
in the boardroom. Rebecca had broken her ankle the week before and set
out to prove, despite her physical setback, that she was still capable
of leading her team. She volunteered to be project manager, but
unfortunately for her, the women’s team failed.

There was a lot
of finger pointing for the loss, and most of those fingers were aimed
in Toral’s direction. But instead of immediately picking Toral to
return with her to the boardroom, Rebecca opted to let her return to
the suite. Apparently, Toral had helped Rebecca with her ankle, and
Rebecca held Toral in high esteem for her educational background (my
alma mater, Wharton) and for her business background.

Even when I
personally suggested that Rebecca reconsider, she remained steadfast in
her decision. It was either a really stupid move or a really smart one.
Fortunately, for Rebecca, there are few qualities I value more than
loyalty.

When employees and employers, even coworkers, have a
commitment to one another, everyone benefits. I have people who have
been in business with me for decades. I reward their loyalty to the
organization and to me. I know that they’ll always be dedicated to what
we’re trying to accomplish. The reason I have so many loyal people in
the Trump Organization is that the loyalty is reciprocated. A lot of
companies feel that dedication is a one-way street, but I think that’s
an easy way to lose good, talented people.

In Rebecca’s case, I
was impressed by her steadfastness. (I still think she made a stupid
decision, and I fired Toral the following week.) Nevertheless, I was
moved by her dedication.

I’m not saying that "The Donald" is nearly the leader that Jesus was and is… but it needs to be very clear from anyone claiming to be a leader that they demand and respect loyalty.

That said, the true test of loyalty isn’t in proclaiming it… it’s in living it out when that loyalty is tested. When the one you are being loyal to isn’t living up to expectations, are you still loyal?

I’m in the process of re-evaluating myself, my ministry, my direction (heck, I do this every day don’t I?) and I know I clearly reward those who are loyal… but I wonder if I’m really fostering loyalty? Am I worth someone being loyal to?