Loyalty

“Faithful adherence to a sovereign, government, leader, cause, etc.”

(loyalty. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved April 01, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/loyalty)

It is one of the words that is waaaaaaaay too much tossed around in business and work today.

Loyalty to your manager.
Loyalty to your employer.
Loyalty to your industry.
Even loyalty to your desk!

Sounds almost like some kind of blood oath!

"Loyalty" as a word embodies grandeur something regal. Perhaps that is why it is used so much?
Or perhaps it is used to try to instill a sense of professionalism in people. Then again, if you have to demand "loyalty" to get people to be professional your recruiting practices are questionable at the very least!

But for whatever reason "loyalty" is far more overblown than is called for.

As an employee you show your "loyalty" every day you come to work when you're scheduled to come.
You show "loyalty" when you arrive at work on time.
You show your "loyalty" by trying your best to do your job.
You show your "loyalty" by not purposely (or casually either) saying or doing things that undermine the goals and reputation of your department/manager/employer/etc.

You don't have to sign your name in blood to show your "loyalty" to your work!