Loyalty is all about expectations.... And yes, quid pro quo - the mutual acceptance of what the other side expects.... As long as the 'give and take' in that mutual equation is continuing, there is a loyal relationship. When one side feels the expectations from the other side are unreasonable, distasteful or toxic, the perception of quid pro quo is challenged and the loyal relationship sees fissures.
Much as we would like to think that some loyal bonds in human domain are beyond quid pro quo, unconditional, and so on, the equation (save very few exceptional ones) does get transactional at some plane; only the degree or quality differs.
The only way to keep the loyal equation in human relationships intact is perhaps, one sided loyalty.......where simplicity is bliss.....
Beyond the human plane of loyal interaction is the spiritual one...when the seeker seeks the divine.....beyond the realm of transactional religion.
Yes, I feel that there is some quid pro quo in loyalty. Am not sure you have heard of the story of a king who decided to the throw his most loyal minister (for some mistake he did) to his ferocious dogs. May be it’s just a story and there may not be any such incident as such. In any case it’s plausible so let’s get into the story.
The minister asked for some time before he was thrown to the dogs. In the interim he fed the dogs well. It is said that when he was thrown into the pit. It is said that the king and his officials were surprised to see the dogs licking the minsters feet. I think this is classic case of quid pro quo. That being said dogs are generally loyal to their masters and it would be wrong to claim otherwise.
Pras, it is said that “Patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels”. Loyalty often plays to the same tune. The best relationships - whether person-to-person or person-to-corporate - are based on healthy exchanges of give and take.
I have seen (I am sure you have too) loyalty being invoked when one of the parties had little else left to give.
A non- fair exchange loyalty transitions to love, as in parent-children relationships for example.
As a very loyal reader I would firstly like to thank you for a wonderful topic.
Having spent a decade each with 2 large UK banks it rings a bell straightaway. Having said that industries nowadays really do not care whether the person has shown loyalty or is busy hopping jobs. In fact the latter stands to gain as not only do they get quick spurts of higher pay but what is most irrational is when the previous company rehires then at a higher position while the loyalist has earned nothing apart from a certificate of completion of service.
I believe the topic of loyalty would be incomplete without talking about the Army. We should be indebted to these soldiers who carry their hearts on their sleeve and brave the toughest of climatic conditions to protect the country round the clock only on the basis of sheer loyalty. Every time the national anthem plays you feel the goosebumps again out of sheer loyalty to the nation. Jai Hind!!
Religion/God is faith! Therefore transcends demonstrable logic.
To me love is an essential ingredient in loyalty. Therefore, can there be loyalty in commercial relationships? I would say, it's more trust, transparency and shared responsibility rather than loyalty. It's almost irrational to be loyal in a commercial relationship. It's a wrong expectation to have.
Hi. I am from Mumbai. I am a CA, CWA and a Partner with Ernst & Young doing valuation for M&A, fund raise, family split, etc. I get your posts since am part of the whatsapp group created by IIAM for mediators & arbitrators. I love reading your writings.
The reference to friendship in this post reminds me of story of Karan in Mahabharata, who was torn between bloodline and loyalty to Duryodhana, yet took up arms against family and eventually died for side he picked (that too perhaps due to rules being broken despite being more skillful).
Loyalty is all about expectations.... And yes, quid pro quo - the mutual acceptance of what the other side expects.... As long as the 'give and take' in that mutual equation is continuing, there is a loyal relationship. When one side feels the expectations from the other side are unreasonable, distasteful or toxic, the perception of quid pro quo is challenged and the loyal relationship sees fissures.
Much as we would like to think that some loyal bonds in human domain are beyond quid pro quo, unconditional, and so on, the equation (save very few exceptional ones) does get transactional at some plane; only the degree or quality differs.
The only way to keep the loyal equation in human relationships intact is perhaps, one sided loyalty.......where simplicity is bliss.....
Beyond the human plane of loyal interaction is the spiritual one...when the seeker seeks the divine.....beyond the realm of transactional religion.
Excellent observations. Presents a refreshing perspective. Thank you!!
Yes, I feel that there is some quid pro quo in loyalty. Am not sure you have heard of the story of a king who decided to the throw his most loyal minister (for some mistake he did) to his ferocious dogs. May be it’s just a story and there may not be any such incident as such. In any case it’s plausible so let’s get into the story.
The minister asked for some time before he was thrown to the dogs. In the interim he fed the dogs well. It is said that when he was thrown into the pit. It is said that the king and his officials were surprised to see the dogs licking the minsters feet. I think this is classic case of quid pro quo. That being said dogs are generally loyal to their masters and it would be wrong to claim otherwise.
Pras, it is said that “Patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels”. Loyalty often plays to the same tune. The best relationships - whether person-to-person or person-to-corporate - are based on healthy exchanges of give and take.
I have seen (I am sure you have too) loyalty being invoked when one of the parties had little else left to give.
A non- fair exchange loyalty transitions to love, as in parent-children relationships for example.
As a very loyal reader I would firstly like to thank you for a wonderful topic.
Having spent a decade each with 2 large UK banks it rings a bell straightaway. Having said that industries nowadays really do not care whether the person has shown loyalty or is busy hopping jobs. In fact the latter stands to gain as not only do they get quick spurts of higher pay but what is most irrational is when the previous company rehires then at a higher position while the loyalist has earned nothing apart from a certificate of completion of service.
I believe the topic of loyalty would be incomplete without talking about the Army. We should be indebted to these soldiers who carry their hearts on their sleeve and brave the toughest of climatic conditions to protect the country round the clock only on the basis of sheer loyalty. Every time the national anthem plays you feel the goosebumps again out of sheer loyalty to the nation. Jai Hind!!
Another thought provoking one Prasanna.
Thank you!
Nice read Pras!
Religion/God is faith! Therefore transcends demonstrable logic.
To me love is an essential ingredient in loyalty. Therefore, can there be loyalty in commercial relationships? I would say, it's more trust, transparency and shared responsibility rather than loyalty. It's almost irrational to be loyal in a commercial relationship. It's a wrong expectation to have.
Hi. I am from Mumbai. I am a CA, CWA and a Partner with Ernst & Young doing valuation for M&A, fund raise, family split, etc. I get your posts since am part of the whatsapp group created by IIAM for mediators & arbitrators. I love reading your writings.
I'm very grateful. Thank you.
The reference to friendship in this post reminds me of story of Karan in Mahabharata, who was torn between bloodline and loyalty to Duryodhana, yet took up arms against family and eventually died for side he picked (that too perhaps due to rules being broken despite being more skillful).
Excellent analogy Amish. Thank you so much. Which city are you in and what do you do?