As a leader, what does loyalty mean to you? Is it when your people fall lock step behind your commands without question, or is it when they openly share alternative, possibly conflicting, perspectives?

Wise leaders know that while they are ultimately responsible for the team, they don't have all the answers. Good leaders are not only open to input, they encourage it. It is only after you have vetted all possibilities and made a decision that you can or should expect a loyal following.

I am reminded of an old story I heard as a child, which left an indelible impression on me and on my attitude toward others. It goes something like this:

Many years ago, a great and mighty king had two great loves: hunting and his prized falcon, his hunting mate and constant companion.

One day following a glorious day of hiking and hunting in the hills near his kingdom, the king became quite thirsty and approached a nearby stream. There he took his sterling cup from his cloak and dipped it in the clear cool water, but before he could drink, the falcon dove from its soaring and knocked the cup away. Irritated and a bit surprised, the king retrieved his cup, filled it, and attempted to drink a second time…but again, the falcon swooped down and knocked his cup away. Angry now and quite thirsty, the king cursed at the bird, and warned him never to repeat this uncanny behavior. But alas, a third time the king tried to drink, and again was thwarted by his raptor companion. Furious, the king drew an arrow from his quiver, set it on his bow and let it fly toward the falcon who was slowly circling just upstream. The arrow hit its mark!

The king hiked up to where the slain falcon now lay- next to the stream. Suddenly he spotted a horrible sight! There, lying near the bird, half in the stream, was the carcass of a deadly poisonous snake. Instantly, the king realized, with great anguish, that all the while he was fighting against his faithful companion, the loyal bird was simply doing everything he could, even to the point of giving his life, to help save his master.

Leaders, do you encourage honest disagreement? Do you show appreciation for diverse opinions? Do you carry an open and willing attitude of learning? If so, you've likely created an environment where even those with different perspectives will, once the decision has been made, enthusiastically and loyally follow.