[August 23, 2015] Military officers, CEOs, managers, and leaders of all types are constantly on the lookout for those who show a certain set of traits that help their organizations be successful. Of course, there has much written on this topic and many good characteristics have been identified but no one has managed to condense it to the two most valued traits … passion and loyalty.
Leaders look for traits that can be found in those who possess the passion to do good works and for loyalty to the organization. Both are reinforcing in the most fundamental way. From these two traits we see a collaborative and more effective teamwork, a persistent drive to achieve excellence, a positive attitude, and a dedication to accomplish a mission.
“Within the hearts of men it is found that loyalty, passion, and persistence are esteemed greater than success.” – Unknown
These traits also foster a person who is less traumatized by conflict and can rebound from setbacks. They are able to push through obstacles and have the staying power to see tasks through to completion. It is no surprise that our leaders look first for passion and loyalty in their employees and followers. Politicians are rightfully obsessed with “energizing the [political] base” because they are the ones who are relied upon to carry through and vote.
In combat, the best soldier is one who also has the highest level of passion for their job and loyalty to their comrades in arms. Most of us have recently watched documentaries on the two great wars of the twentieth century. What can be observed is that troops in combat units who display passion and loyalty are the most likely to achieve victory. Fear and indecision occurs when those traits are weak or absent … military units having been documented to fall apart when this happens.
Are leaders looking for a certain set of traits in those that are part of their organization? Yes, of course. But it is a special attention to those with passion and loyalty that are most sought after and the most valued. Those who lack these qualities will eternally be in the backwater of any organization and yet it is the responsibility of leaders to bring them out and help instill the most valued of traits.
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