The last time I discussed being a loyal oppositionist, I am afraid people missed the point. Apparently, the thought absorbed was that only a person could be a loyal oppositionist in politics, which is incorrect. Thus, I am revisiting the principles of choosing to be a loyal oppositionist.
Loyal Oppositionists
“It is less that you are an adversary and more that you are someone with an opinion that (although frightening to me) might in some way enrich my own. And if I raise myself to being a partner with you on this mutual journey of ours, and if I refuse to bow to the posture of being a frightened adversary as you intersect my journey with a journey different than my own, we can profoundly change what we would have otherwise both died wrestling over.” ― Craig D. Lounsbrough
Webster defines “Loyal Opposition” as “a [person] whose opposition to the party in power is constructive, responsible, and bounded by loyalty to fundamental interests and principles.” If we are ever in a position of power, we, the loyal oppositionists, stay mindful of our actions, responsible and accountable to those who supported us to power. We remain true to the organization’s fundamental principles, giving us the privilege to serve as a leader.
Loyal Oppositionists never use violence to control the thoughts of others. We refute ideas with more potent ideas. We employ words, conviction, and confidence. We love the freedom found under the “Rule of Law.” We are constructive in our comments, truthful, and we research and report, even if it means we must improve our individual actions to meet our ideals. Now, more than ever in American History, America needs loyal oppositionists to step forward, answer the call, and defend liberty against the tyranny thrust upon us.
“You see, the point is that the strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone.” ― Henrik Ibsen, An Enemy of the People
Principles of Loyal Oppositionists
“Trust is earned, respect is given, and loyalty is demonstrated. Betrayal of any one of those is to lose all three.” – Ziad K. Abdelnour
Thus, the first principle of loyal oppositionists is to adhere to and commit to understanding this basic equation. Failure to know and live this basic equation means loss of leadership, wasted resources, and chaos. Important to note, these principles come before being “constructive, responsible, and bounded.”
While not precisely a ranked principle, a person’s character is witnessed; they are not spoken, not listened to, observed, and judged by others.
“You can easily judge a man’s character by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Like trust in a relationship, a person’s character is built upon mutual experiences, time, and consistent behavior. Loyal Oppositionists understand the power and reputation inherent in a person’s character; they are slow to judge, quick to observe and create their own opinions about other people’s character. Realizing that a person’s character is built, allow yourself and others time to get to know your character.
The following cannot be stressed enough:
“Loyalty means nothing unless it has at its heart the absolute principle of self-sacrifice.” – Woodrow Wilson
Self-sacrifice is not equivalent or comparable to being a floor mat for everyone to walk on. Self-Sacrifice is all about knowing the why and being a volunteer. Not to the point of burn-out, and not to inflate an ego or anything other than an honest desire to render assistance to the best of one’s abilities. Loyal oppositionists want to help! Failing to understand this mental desire is the number one reason why loyal oppositionists lose positions, roles, and employment. Leaders, do you know who to trust as a loyal oppositionist? Do you know how to use a loyal oppositionist to advance ideas to solutions?
Confucius makes a powerful statement here for loyal oppositionists and their leaders.
“Base yourself in loyalty and trust. Don’t be companions with those who are not your moral equal. When you make a mistake, don’t hesitate to [admit and] correct it.”
How often has a team failed in competition because one team member has the moral integrity of a louse and the entire team suffers, without ever knowing why they keep losing? Consider your favorite sports teams, how many make the news for acting without moral integrity, and you can answer the first question quickly and easily! Doubt this fact, pick a team, any team, any sport, and job, and you will find the truth glaring at you. Morality matters!
Leaders… Never Forget
“We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it.” – Edward R. Murrow
Remove America, insert your company or branded organization, and you will find significant truth in the statement from Mr. Murrow. Dissent is defined as concluding contrary to the majority, expressing an opinion different from prevailing opinions or an official position, or simply a disagreement.
I was working in a call center for a prominent online adult educator, where I questioned the software being changed and the rollout of the new software system. The software would not be finished and thoroughly user-friendly for an additional five years after the initial rollout. I expressed my dismay at rolling out a partially completed product when time and energy should have been put into finishing the software before rolling it out for all the employees. My director felt this was disloyal to the organization, trumped-up fallacious claims, and wanted to punish me for disloyalty. I walked out of that job; I was not disloyal then, I am still not disloyal to the brand. I am not loyal to that director or the supervisor who craved a promotion and signed off on my being punished on fallacious claims and charges.
Mr. Murrow’s point is extremely critical for leaders and followers to embrace. Loyal opposition lives as long as leaders, and followers, agree to disagree. In the middle of two extreme points, truth is found, solutions improve, and people are built. Thus, loyal oppositionists’ value is the second point in an extreme to aid in changing perspectives and building a better product, service, country, or nation.
While killing loyal opposition is most visible in the political spectrum where partisan politicians cannot agree to disagree and work together, the problem with killing loyal oppositionists is everywhere. From sports teams to board rooms, to political forums to every business, refusing loyal opposition has become the disease we are strangled with. Some try to blame communication skills, others try to blame the “speed of business,” others will use one of a thousand other excuses, but as the axiom goes, “Excuses are like butt-holes, everyone has one, and they stink!” Embrace your loyal oppositionists and allow them to help you!
© 2021 M. Dave Salisbury
All Rights Reserved
The images used herein were obtained in the public domain; this author holds no copyright to the images displayed.
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