Ecclesiastes 7:27-29 “’Look,’ says the Teacher, ‘this is what I have discovered: Adding one thing to another to discover the scheme of things — while I was still searching but not finding — I found one upright man among a thousand, but not one upright woman among them all. This only have I found: God made mankind upright, but men have gone in search of many schemes.’”

Solomon’s observations came from a king who was rich and powerful. Many people hang around, but it is hard to find upright (truly loyal) people when you are rich and powerful. Solomon had a point here, which is not universal, but it is often true for those who are intimidated by position, titles, and reputation. Employees who are loyal to the company are rare these days.

Principle: A loyal, upright co-worker is one-in-a-thousand and worth the effort.

United Scrap Metal in Chicago is a grimy business, but few employees ever want to leave it. Workers hand-sort debris preparing it for melt down at nearby foundries. It is tedious, backbreaking, and hazardous work. However, nearly 50% of USM’s employees have been with the company ten years or more. The low turnover is due partly to the family atmosphere, careful hiring practices, and great training program that puts all employees through a start-at-the-bottom level. Every employee has health insurance coverage, participates in an annual company-wide bonuses, has flextime for family obligations, etc. USM’s employees have helped the company ward off the Teamsters’ attempts to organize them. The employees have voted four times against unionization. The profitable company says that low employee turnover has contributed to the bottom line.

By the way, the president of United Scrap Metal is a woman. Solomon should know about this upright and wise woman!

Discussion:

1. Describe a loyal employee you have had in your business.

2. What can you do to encourage loyal employees in your business?

3. How can you lead by example?