On the surface, there is no significant difference between the two. Some may even mistakenly use them interchangeably. This also may lead to those who ‘perceived’ themselves to be honest erroneously, assuming they also make them loyal.
In the previous reflection, we distinguished the difference between loyalty and competence. This was responded to online and offline with more insights. In one of such references, someone briefly alluded to being honest and competent as a strong point of view.
While it is noble, though almost becoming a rarity, to see honesty in great numbers among the workforce, it is also presumptuous to think that honesty is synonymous with loyalty, let alone competence.
The previous reflection also differentiated between eye service and genuine loyalty. Loyalty is a treasure to behold when it is authentic and sincere (honest?). It is even more desirable when such is displayed with a measure of competence.
Growing up, we were constantly inundated with the phrase “honesty is the best policy,” which was ingrained in our subconscious, especially if we donβt consider them boring. Anyway, the term ‘boring’ was a rarity during those times!
If honesty is the best policy as ascribed, it thus follows that most people will tow the lane of honesty. In that regard, an honest worker who is not self-ascribed may be mistaken for being loyal.
If even at that, there is a twist. There is what we call an ‘honest mistake’ in auditing. The funny thing is that it may result from a lack of knowledge (incompetence?) that is responsible for the honest mistake.
What if an honest mistake causes the organization to lose vast amounts of money?
Can a loyal person make an honest mistake as well? If yes, will that impact negatively on their loyalty?
Is it a prerequisite that a loyal person must, at the same time, be honest?
Will honesty be regarded as loyalty?
Let’s take, for instance, a fraudster demanding loyalty.
Will such a person (leader?) require honesty as well?
Better still, are all loyal people honest?
In another form, is the demand for loyalty always predicated on honesty?
Too many questions, right?
Sometimes, the requirement for loyalty is assumed to be the ability not to ruffle the feather and always to be agreeable to whatever is done in specific environments or situations. It could be the demand not to see evil and/or to mention evil. Sometimes, it may be a demand not to divulge things, no matter how terrible or injurious to those outside the enclave.
In such instances, honesty is put on trial.
Can a loyal subordinate, in all honesty, report a fraudulent boss, primarily if they are also benefitting from the aberration?
Can a very loyal subordinate, well-groomed in honesty, refuse to partake in the proceeds of such an act without hurting his/her conscience as an honest person?
Given the array of these questions, there may be some situations when an honest person may challenge himself/herself if being loyal is not too much of a burden to bear if faced with the constant dilemma of choosing to remain loyal when it is becoming challenging to stay honest while at it.
It is presumptuous for an honest person to assume that trait, as good as it may be, makes him/her to be regarded as loyal. The demand for loyalty may transcend beyond simple honesty. It may require nondisclosure of things seen, be it good or bad.
Will there be a perpetual conflict if an honest person is required to be loyal in an environment built on shady dealings?
However, one thing is clear: there are distinguishable differences between loyalty and honesty.
Many dilemmas may arise depending on the environment in which an honest person demands loyalty.
There may be no straight answers to all these questions!
Your thoughts and experiences are welcome.