Why You Should Be As Disloyal As Possible
Why You Should Be As Disloyal As Possible
By chris danilo on Jun 20, 2018 05:00 am
Tweet
I stole this tip from Derek Sivers.*
I’ve heard Sivers say “be as disloyal as possible” and to “only be loyal when disloyalty is not possible.”
What he’s saying is that the world doesn’t always have your back. Your company is going to make the best business decision it can, regardless of how many years you’ve worked for them.
It’s one of these interesting beliefs that is the opposite of how we operate in our personal lives.
Many people are taught to be loyal to family, friends, and partners–and I don’t know anyone who’s been taught the opposite.
In order to succeed in our careers, being disloyal, opportunistic, and focused on our career’s impact on the greater good is the optimal route.
I’m not saying you should break up with your projects or your job. I’m also not saying that you should betray, deceive, or lie.
I believe in being honest, trustworthy, and transparent.
I’m saying scandals, corruption, and decision-making that’s not aligned with your mission should be on your radar. It’s up to you to stay awake enough to detect it around you when it happens.
By being disloyal at default, you’re positioning yourself to reality-check the decisions of others around you without blindly following.
Trust is important to build over time–but loyalty should be avoided as much as possible.
2 Minute Action
When was the last time you felt loyal to something?
Chances are it already happened today.
Maybe to your country?
Maybe to your company?
How about to a fraternity or a sorority?
Take 1 minute and list a few things to which you’re loyal.
Next, take 1 more minute and list a few things those people/organizations would have to do to lose your loyalty.
If you have 5 or more things for each, that’s great.
If you have one or two for each, you’re in danger.
(*Derek Sivers is a favorite author and entrepreneur of mine. He started CDBaby.com which was the first place to buy music online. He sold his company for somewhere around 21 million dollars and then gave it all away to charity.)
Recent Articles:
Is Being Obsessed A Good Thing?
What To Focus On When You’re Stuck