Loyalty

When an organization seeks loyalty and gets it, the work just begins.

It's not about handing out the points, the perks or providing the ability to track "status".  It's a contract - a subtle one where the organization has said - "we value you, and we'll recognize that".  That in itself is a huge step.  And it's the heart of the matter.

The loyalty offer doesn't have to be made by the way; we could all live in a Walmart world where the provision of lowest prices carried the day. When the organization elects not to do that, and instead seeks our continued patronage in return for recognition, it's very compelling for many people.  However it carries an implicit promise that is so often over-looked, and that is that when we perceive that the recognition of the value you or I provide isn't forthcoming, we tend to head for the hills quickly.

Recognition isn't 'points' by the way, these are the reward for past behaviour and the lure for future patronage..just one more coffee, flight or trip to the grocer for the free whatever-it-is-we-seek.

Recognition is that acknowledgement that we're all participating in a contract whereby you get my business in return for the understanding that it's appreciated.  When that stops - the points and other mechanisms aren't enough to maintain that loyalty on their own, as just about everybody else has similar reward schemes these days.

Sadly too many organizations have lost the plot on loyalty.  They think they're trading prizes for loyalty, when in fact that wasn't really the basis the customer had for entering into the arrangement.  It is why their customers leave though.

Dear North Korea..

It's fun to watch you posture.

It does make many people nervous, but I don't think they really "get" you.  I think you huff and puff and the whole point in threatening and preening is to score some points at home.  After all, the thought of who might be on your side in an unprovoked attack narrows the field down to...well no other countries actually.  It's really too bad for you that you didn't discover some egregious military faux pas, like a sub stranded in your territorial waters, or South Korean soldiers sliding under the fence for some authentic BBQ beef.

If we look somewhat coldly at the facts, there's been no provocation, no recent event that you can point to, and little attention paid recently to you.  So what's changed ?  Why suck in your gut and inhale out your national chest right now..

Well I suppose there is the issue of succession, which probably doesn't sit right with some of your generals who may have had aspirations.  And Mr. Kim Jong-un (can I call you Kim ?) I imagine you do want to look good in front of the people...after all if it's seen clearly that you're a pimply faced, fat little man who has little talent, and isn't aggressive enough to be his father's son..well, I bet the prisons there aren't too sweet.

So if all this is to make yourself look imperial at home and unafraid of the big bad west, how much is enough ?  What exactly are you waiting for to concede that you've seen victory in this little war of posture.  That's the million won question isn't it.  Who in the west will make some public concession to you so that you can save face and stand down.

Therein lies the problem Kim.  You see without that initial cause to rally around, the one that the rest of us can highlight as the reason you were thrown a bone to shut-up, there's really little empathy for what you're doing.  It may just be too much this time.   When it's agreed it is too much - the payback won't come in the form of a carrier group steaming up the Sea of Japan flying the stars and stripes in the wind..no..the payback will be a messenger from Beijing and it'll be more painful for you personally.

It is fun to watch you posture Kim, but it's not entertaining for very long.

Signed,
Everyone