375. Bob Wasn't Loyal. He Was Trapped.

Bob stayed at IBM for 38 years not because he was loyal, but because he couldn't leave (healthcare tied to job, pension that didn't vest for 30 years, no other options).
We've confused forced compliance with loyalty for 70 years — that's the entire foundation of the "loyalty is dead" complaint.
Real loyalty only exists when you have the freedom to leave but choose to stay anyway.
For the first time in history, employees actually have freedom to choose — which means real loyalty is now finally possible.
Companies are exploiting loyalty by keeping top performers underpaid while assuming they'll stay no matter what.

If someone can't leave without catastrophic consequences, they're not loyal — they're just stuck.
Real loyalty today is two-sided: I'll do my best if you pay fairly, treat me with respect, and invest in me.
Look for the Jon scenario in your organization: loyal high performers being systematically underpaid because their loyalty makes them predictable.
Stop rewarding disloyalty by exploiting loyalty — your best people will eventually realize their options.
Create conditions where people choose to stay, not conditions where they're forced to.

Think about your most loyal employee: Are they staying because they love it, or because leaving would be catastrophic?
If they left tomorrow, would you realize you've been undervaluing them?