Loyal To Those Not Present, Stephen R. Covey

One of the most important ways to manifest integrity is to be loyal to those who are not present. In doing so, we build the trust of those who are present. Stephen R. Covey

Integrity builds trust and trust builds commitment and loyalty. We live in a negative and often sarcastic society where making others the brunt of a joke or attacking people’s weaknesses is popular sport. Another popular pastime is when things go wrong, to “throw someone under the bus.” The person who gets thrown under is usually whomever is not present during the review. Unfortunately we often fail to see the damage that is done to individuals and teams by these activities.

You make think you are just having a good laugh about a colleague’s quirks, yet, especially as a leader, those listening my be thinking to themselves, “I wonder what they say about me when I am not around?” This is not to say that work should always be somber and serious or that you can’t joke, play and have a good time. It also might feel good to blame the failure of a project on someone other than yourself when they are not around. It is important to be aware of the tone and culture you are creating in your team or group. Are you planting seeds of trust, commitment and loyalty?

Being loyal to those who are not present is the ultimate manifestation of integrity and the sign of a true leader. Those you lead look to you – When times are good things like being loyal to the person who isn’t present may not seem like a big deal – but as always, you are setting your foundation for when the difficult days and trying times come… Will your team have the trust, commitment and loyalty to make it through?

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James Radina
Director of New Business
Brian Tracy's iLearningGlobal Team