Loyalty describes what we are deeply committed to and consistently prioritize, even in the face of adversity. What we are loyal to influences what we expect, respect, and reward. When our expectations are not met, we feel betrayed. Knowing these three faces of loyalty facilitates clearer communication.

LOYALTY TO COMMUNITY (Affect). My loyalty to you stems from your connection to our shared story from the beginning. I expect your support. I respect and reward seniority—time belonging to the community. I experience abandonment as betrayal. I feel hurt, sad, and reluctant to re-engage.

LOYALTY TO IDEALS (Meaning). My loyalty to you stems from your belief in our shared values and goals. I expect your dedication to excellence. I respect commitment and reward merit. I experience loss of commitment as betrayal. I feel disillusioned and question my belief in our mission.

LOYALTY TO AUTHORITY (Power). My loyalty to you stems from your allegiance to me, your leader. I expect you to follow me unquestioningly. Power respects and rewards blind trust. I experience your failure to comply with my directives as betrayal. I feel angry, write you off, or assert dominance to regain control and reestablish your allegiance.

How does your company reward belonging to the community, commitment to the mission, or allegiance to the leader?