Let’s talk about loyalty. Not the kind your dog shows when you so much as think about opening the fridge, but the human kind—the kind that shows up in workplaces, boardrooms, and even friendships.
Some people are drawn to power like moths to a very expensive, well-lit flame. They meet someone powerful—maybe a CEO, an investor, or someone with a net worth that could buy a small island—and suddenly, they’re all in. They align themselves closely, making sure to be seen in the right places, saying the right things, and proving their undying “loyalty.” Not because they necessarily admire this person’s character, but because they recognize that power can be contagious. Stand close enough, and maybe a little of that influence will rub off.
At first, this type of loyalty seems unshakable. The powerful leader gets praised, followed, and supported… until things get difficult. Maybe their company hits a rough patch. Maybe their influence starts to wane. And suddenly, the same people who once stood by their side start questioning: Is this person really worth my allegiance? Or worse, they feel trapped in their loyalty, afraid to leave out of fear of repercussions.
I’ve seen it happen. And I’ve also seen the opposite.
I spent years working for a small company in Halifax, and over time, I had the privilege of growing to know and deeply respect both the previous CEO and the current one. Now, let’s be honest—Halifax is not exactly a hotbed of corporate power players. These weren’t billionaires with private jets. But my loyalty to them has been unwavering, not because of their titles or wealth, but because of something much rarer: their humanity.
Both of these leaders have demonstrated, time and again, an ability to make difficult decisions with empathy and integrity. They don’t just think about what’s best for the business; they think about how their decisions impact people. I’ve watched them navigate tough moments—not just layoffs or financial hurdles, but the real leadership tests, like how they treat employees when no one is watching. How they listen when someone speaks up. How they show kindness, not just to top performers, but to everyone.
And that kind of leadership? That earns a loyalty that doesn’t waver when times get tough. It’s not about clinging to power, it’s about believing in a person.
I’ve worked in environments where people stayed loyal out of fear—fear of losing a job, fear of falling out of favor, fear of being on the wrong side of influence. And I’ve worked in environments where people stayed loyal because they wanted to—because they truly respected the person leading them. The first kind of loyalty is fickle, shifting with circumstances. The second kind is steadfast, built on something much deeper than power.
So, if you’re a leader, ask yourself: What kind of loyalty are you cultivating? Are people standing by you because they have to, or because they want to? Because here’s the thing—true loyalty, the kind that lasts, isn’t about authority. It’s about trust. And trust, once earned, is far more powerful than any title could ever be.
Choose wisely. Because in the end, it’s not the power that keeps people close—it’s the person behind it.