(Inspired by Chapter 12 of Primary Greatness by Stephen R. Covey)
Hello, dear readers! My name is Olga Binyaminov, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the author of this monthly column. I wear many hats in life—an educator, a biochemist, an author, and most importantly, a lifelong learner. My journey as a college professor, a learning center owner, and a passionate advocate for personal growth has shown me the transformative power of knowledge.
This column is my way of sharing what I’ve learned over the years—insights, tools, and strategies that can elevate your life. Each month, I’ll dive into life-relevant topics and summarize lessons from the incredible books I’ve read, focusing on principles that can be applied to your daily life. My mission is to help you grow in ways that are practical, actionable, and meaningful.
This month, I’d like to share insights from a book that has profoundly influenced me: Primary Greatness by Stephen R. Covey. Covey outlines 12 levers of success that help us build lives of purpose, integrity, and fulfillment. Today, we’ll focus on one of the chapters that resonated deeply with me: Loyalty.
Summary of the Book:
Stephen R. Covey’s Primary Greatness emphasizes that loyalty is more than just a virtue—it’s a foundation for trust and character. Loyalty includes staying true to others, principles, and yourself. It creates lasting bonds in relationships and serves as a moral compass, guiding your decisions.
Summary of Chapter 12:
In Chapter 12, Stephen R. Covey emphasizes that loyalty is a cornerstone of trust. Loyalty is not just about staying faithful to people—it’s about staying true to your values, your commitments, and even to yourself. Covey reminds us that loyalty goes beyond words. It’s reflected in our actions, especially in how we treat others when they’re not around.
For example, Covey shares a story about a business leader who always defended his team in meetings, even when they made mistakes. Instead of throwing them under the bus, he gave constructive feedback privately while showing unwavering loyalty in public. This built a culture of trust and mutual respect within his company.
Guidance and Explanation:
Loyalty is a two-way street. When you show loyalty to others, it fosters trust and strengthens relationships. But loyalty also begins with being true to yourself—keeping promises you make to yourself builds self-respect and confidence. Covey warns against gossip, betrayal, or abandoning people when challenges arise, as these behaviors erode trust.
Applying Loyalty in Your Life
1. Be Loyal to Yourself:
Set a small goal this week—maybe exercising twice or taking 15 minutes to reflect each morning—and commit to it. When you stay true to yourself, you build the foundation for being loyal to others.
2. Strengthen Relationships Through Trust:
In your personal or professional life, demonstrate loyalty by supporting those around you. For instance, if a friend or colleague is facing criticism, avoid joining in the negativity. Instead, encourage and stand by them.
3. Avoid Gossip and Negativity:
The next time you’re tempted to speak negatively about someone who isn’t present, pause. Ask yourself, “Would I say this if they were here?”
4. Rebuild Trust:
If there’s a relationship where loyalty has been broken, take steps to rebuild it. Apologize sincerely, and commit to consistent actions that show your dedication.
Real-Life Example:
A friend of mine once shared how she stood up for a colleague falsely accused of an error at work. Though it was a risk, her loyalty not only cleared her colleague’s name but also strengthened their bond and inspired others to follow her example.
Closing Thought:
Loyalty is one of the most powerful ways to cultivate trust, respect, and deep connections. When we practice loyalty, we enrich our lives and the lives of those around us.
