One of the silent errors of leadership today is the expectation of loyalty from people we have not invested in. True loyalty cannot be commanded; it is cultivated. It is the fruit of consistent mentorship, sacrifice, and genuine interest in people’s growth.
In life and leadership, people don’t follow titles –they follow hearts. They don’t remain loyal to authority—they remain loyal to love, guidance, and impact. To demand loyalty from those we have not sown into is nothing short of fraud.
My journey has taught me this principle through the life of a man I proudly call my godfather and mentor, AMB. Prof. Capt. Alfred Oluwasegun Oniye, the Advisory Board Chairman of Smart Leaders Impact Hub (SLIH). His deliberate investment in my life has helped me find my place in destiny, lead with confidence, and enjoy leverage in places where my voice would not have been heard.
Even Jesus Christ Himself modeled this truth. He poured His life into the Apostles, teaching, guiding, correcting, and empowering them. In return, these same men were so loyal to Him and His mission that they gave their very lives for the cause of the Kingdom. Loyalty is born out of investment.
It is this foundation of mentorship and selfless investment that fuels my passion to see people do well in life. Every young leader deserves a guide who sees beyond their flaws and believes in their future. Every generation needs voices who don’t just expect loyalty but build it through service and sacrifice.
Great leaders don’t wait for people to prove their loyalty; they earn it by becoming a pillar in the lives of others. As John C. Maxwell once said: “People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.”
This is why I call on captains of industries, leaders of influence, and great men across nations: invest in the younger generation. Plant seeds of mentorship, open doors of opportunity, and create platforms for growth. If we truly want a future marked by loyalty, productivity, and excellence, then we must first invest in people today.
Loyalty is never accidental. It is the harvest of intentional seeds of care, mentorship, and sacrifice. If we want lasting impact, we must first make lasting investments in people.
Dr. Ananti Smart
Lead servant, Smart Leaders Impact Hub (SLIH)
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