Loyalty is earned through relationship.

It doesn’t matter who I am, what I’ve accomplished in the past, or what title I have been given–while these things may earn one’s respect, I don’t deserve anyone’s loyalty if I’m not willing to take the time to go to them where they’re at, and learn about who they are. I don’t deserve anyone’s loyalty if I’m not willing to sit down with them and help them hammer out a strategy which will enable them to succeed.

To earn people’s loyalty I have to make them feel as though they can take on the world and accomplish whatever they have a passion for. I can not do that from a distance–I have to get right into their lives and learn all that I can about them; and then find ways to use my resources and experience to empower them.

I know from my own experience that you just can’t help but be loyal to the people who have spent time with you, encouraged you, and empowered you to do what is burning in your heart to do.