ALT-1 Relationship between Loyalty and Career Advancement
Is there a relationship between career advancement and loyalty to your company? In some respects there is a relationship between the two, but in some respects there is not a relationship. There are so many variables when it comes to career advancement that loyalty to any entity might have something to do with it, or it might not. It really all depends on your current situation.
One of the reasons why loyalty might win you some points toward career advancement is that you will hopefully earn the respect of those around you. It is hard to not like and respect someone who is willing to stick with you for a long period of time. It isn't always easy to be loyal to someone, or to a company, especially when an action taken by that entity might be considered unpopular.
Another reason why loyalty might win you some ability to advance in your career is that if you are loyal, you are probably hard working and would do anything for your company. Being a company man is something that will allow your career to flourish. If the higher ups see that you are willing to do anything for the company, they will see you as an asset that will be worth developing.
Loyalty isn't always the road to career success though. Depending on where you are in the company, your loyalty could be used against you. If something goes wrong, you might still be willing to stick your neck out for the company and promote what is still good about the company. For example, if you worked for BP, you might still say how they are a great company that just made a mistake. If public outcry is great though, you might end up being sacked for the sake of good PR.
Is it worth it to be loyal to your company? There is a fine line between loyalty and doing what is good for business. Of course you want to be positive regarding your company, but how loyal should you be? I say you should be only as loyal as they are to you because they could fire you at any time and leave you out in the cold. Loyalty is great, but make sure that loyalty is being repaid with promotions instead of them just using you as someone who will do anything that they ask.
Loyalty usually will end up with you getting where you want to go. Be careful though, because business is business, and your loyalty is only worth as much money as you can earn the company. The best way to advance is to talk positive about your company, but make sure that you are never being blindly loyal to your employer.
