Dear Editor:

Loyalty and allegiance are two words that merge when we place a hand on our heart and repeat the American Pledge of Allegiance.

There is a difference between "loyal" to a company, a country, a friend or family member. Our country expects loyalty and the pledge is a symbol that reassures the government that the people love their country and will stand strong to keep its promise of equality, freedom and justice for all.

Loyalty to a new organization or a new person takes time and development of trust. Some corporate leaders inspire loyalty in ways we least expect. I have personally been blessed with several great leaders beginning with my father and mother. My father taught me the art of debate for a concept you believed was good. My mother organized training programs for me and neighborhood friends where we were taught to think before we took action.

You are not as likely to have a company "love" you like family, but I was fortunate to have stumbled into several managers, CEOs and leaders who inspired loyalty in all employees. Studies have concluded there are at least seven practices that inspire worker loyalty.

What the manager states is meaningful and authentic. They serve their employees, making sure employees have all the tools needed to exceed in their goals. They encourage employees to grow in knowledge and skill sets. They trust their employees to succeed. They share their own values. What employees do are valued and not beneath a good leader to help when needed. Leaders are great listeners and interested in learning more about staff that help the company succeed.

Loyalty is possible when trust is involved.  We trust our leaders at elections when we vote. They trust us to exercise our right to vote. We want to believe that when they take the oath of office to support and defend the Constitution of the United States that they honor and respect this historical document.

2017 has a beginning that has hindered loyalty, allegiance, and trust. Nonetheless there is always hope to move forward.

Jarryl Larson

Edgecomb