Don’t provide your employer with lazy loyalty.
Don’t provide your employer with lazy loyalty. Do you know what this is? It’s unselfish behavior that can lead to stagnation in business and your career. The people who get ahead aren’t always the smartest or hardest workers; they’re just alert enough to recognize opportunities when they arise. Outside opportunities can come from anywhere – even recruiters calling on behalf of another company looking for someone like you.
Lazy loyalty is usually manifested in behaviors that put your employer ahead of our own careers; ignoring calls from headhunters, not attending industry networking events, or not taking advantage of educational opportunities provided by your employer because you are too busy.
Loyalty is admirable, but blind loyalty can be a detriment to your career. You should always keep your options open and be prepared for new opportunities that may come your way. Who knows, the next big opportunity could be just around the corner.
So what does it mean to have true loyalty in business? It starts with understanding that your success is inextricably linked to the success of your employer. When you’re part of a team, it’s important to contribute to the collective goal and not just your own self-interests. This behavior should also be recognized and rewarded by your manager.
Loyalty also means being honest with yourself and those around you. If something isn’t working or if you’re not happy with the current situation, have the courage to speak up and share your concerns. It takes guts to stand up for what you believe in, but it’s always better than remaining silent and unhappy.
So the next time you’re feeling unappreciated or like you’re stuck in a rut, remember that loyalty is a two-way street. If you’re not being loyal to yourself, you can’t expect others to be loyal to you. Be honest, be brave, and always keep your options open – that’s the best way to ensure you are being fair to your own goals and values.
Loyalty is important, but it’s not the only thing you need for a successful career. Check out these other blog posts for more great tips:
Two quick LinkedIn hacks to get you found by recruiters.
The 5 habits of successful people who know their ‘why.’
The importance of purpose.