Take a Break
Why Loyalty Still Matters Today Consultants tell us there are many aspects of a healthy culture whether it is a company, a nonprofit organization, a community group, or a club. Healthy communication, accountability, honesty, and integrity are commonly used terms relating to a strong business culture. One thing that likely won’t make that list is the concept of loyalty. Is it possible this concept, when it comes to the workplace, is an outdated ideal? Seemingly gone are the days where one would stay at the same company for a few decades or more. The workplace of the past had a view of loyalty related to the company, especially in large organizations. Of course, this loyalty, much of the time, was tied to the benefit programs that rewarded workers for years of service. This “30 years and out” concept, that once was typical of many organizations, has mostly disappeared from the workplace. But what about loyalty in businesses that make up the majority of organizations, those considered small- to medium-sized companies? Since there were no lifetime benefit programs in these organizations, this type of loyalty was more person-to-person in nature. It could have been a sense of loyalty to the owners or founders of the company. Maybe it was loyalty to a certain manager. Today, a career needs to contain potential growth opportunities: usually ones tied to a person’s passions and life purpose. The younger generations do have a sense of loyalty, although it’s dramatically different from past generations. This loyalty is tied to their defined individual purpose and passions and what gives them meaning as a person. If the opportunity with the organization is feeding their passions as they define them, then they may become loyal to the employer. But it isn’t as much loyalty to the employer or the ideals declared by the organization overall. Finally, many business leaders complain that loyalty in the workplace is gone, but this isn’t necessarily true. What has changed is the practical application of the concept of loyalty. Those organizations that wish to continue to be great places to work must first understand this dynamic and then align the purpose of the organization with the purpose, passions, and drive of the team members. In our culture, we have had some great examples of loyalty over our 34– year history. In our cover story this month, we celebrate a very special Financial Architects teammate, as we pay tribute to Pat Smith. Pat retired in the month of September after 21 years of extraordinary service. We will carry on her example to the best of our ability, and we will miss her greatly. Pat, your Financial Architects family loves you and thanks you!
Solution on Page 4
Thanksgiving may be held on Thursday, but the food often lasts at least through the weekend. To make the best use of the excess, grill up some killer turkey sandwiches. THE BEST LEFTOVER TURKEY SANDWICH
INGREDIENTS
• 2 slices sourdough bread • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard • 2 slices Swiss cheese
• 1/3 cup shredded leftover turkey • 3 tbsp leftover cranberry sauce • 1/3 cup leftover dressing or stuffing • 2 tbsp leftover gravy • 1 tbsp butter, room temperature
Note: Don’t worry if you don’t have all the leftovers required.
DIRECTIONS
1. Coat inside of each bread slice with mustard and a slice of cheese. Place turkey and cranberry sauce on one slice and dressing and gravy on the other. 2. Combine sandwich and spread butter on both sides. 3. In a panini maker or large skillet, grill until crispy and golden brown. 4. Slice and serve.
–Chris Cousins
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