Dede Drives the Discourse: Loyalty vs Integrity

Hello, my name is Dede Nyansapo. I am an entrepreneur who also participates in Accra’s burgeoning gig economy as a driver. My love for meeting fascinating people and my curiosity about how they think usually places me in the midst of some very entertaining conversations. Invariably, these conversations lead to some key learnings that may be useful to anyone on their business journey.

Episode 8: Loyalty vs Integrity

The location was Nyaniba Estates, in Accra. I had barely started my shift for the day when I was summoned by the phone application to pick up my next customer whose name was saved intriguingly as Grandpa Jo. As I got closer to the pickup location, I could tell my passenger must have been to one of my favourite waakye spots, Kataowdieso. I saw an elderly man with what appeared to be twin boys. His calm demeanour made me miss my own grandfather, just a little bit, but as I approached.

“Dede?” he asked.

Before I could even let out a reply, he followed that up quickly with, “I’m grandpa Jo, and these are my lovely grandsons Panyin and Kakra and I’ve just introduced them to authentic Ghanaian waakye, exactly how it should be eaten.”

Panyin, let out a sheepish smile, revealing a shyness and perhaps a slight embarrassment at his extrovert, Grandfather.

Kakra on the other hand, let out a simple, “It wasn’t as wonderful as I imagined.”, forcing Panyin to gasp in disbelief.

Grandpa Jo, simply smiled as they got into the car and said, “Next stop, the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum. Doesn’t that sound fun, Panyin?”

What appeared on the onset to be another routine ride led to a conversation that I have been turning in my head ever since, which I will share with you now.

Panyin: Grandpa Jo, I’ve been thinking about something.

Grandpa Jo: What is is Panyin? You know I’m always fascinated by your thoughts.

Panyin: What do you think is greater: loyalty or integrity?

Grandpa Jo: Ah, that’s a fascinating question. Why do you ask?

Panyin: ….because people are always saying loyalty is important…but I don’t know..

Grandpa Jo: Loyalty and integrity are both virtues of great importance, but they differ in their essence and application.

Kakra: But Grandpa, isn’t loyalty important for sticking with your friends and family through thick and thin?

Grandpa Jo: Absolutely, Kakra. Loyalty is like the sturdy foundation of a house. It’s about staying true to those we care about, standing by them through good times and bad. It builds trust and fosters strong relationships. But let me ask you this: what happens if loyalty is blind?

Panyin: Blind loyalty might lead us to support someone even when they’re wrong, right?

Grandpa Jo: Precisely, Panyin. Blind loyalty can sometimes cloud our judgment, causing us to overlook faults or turn a blind eye to unethical behavior. That’s where integrity comes into play.

Kakra: Integrity? What’s that, Grandpa?

Grandpa Jo: Integrity is like the compass that guides our moral decisions. It’s about doing what’s right, even when no one is watching. It’s about staying true to our principles and values, regardless of the circumstances. And here’s the thing, boys: integrity breeds trust just like loyalty does, but it also ensures that trust is well-placed.

Panyin: So, you’re saying integrity is greater than loyalty?

Grandpa Jo: (Chuckling) Now, now, Panyin, let’s not jump to conclusions. Both loyalty and integrity have their strengths. Loyalty provides a sense of security and belonging, while integrity ensures that our actions are honourable and just.

Kakra: But if you had to choose one, Grandpa, which would it be?

Grandpa Jo: Ah, you’re putting me on the spot, aren’t you? Well, let me put it this way: loyalty without integrity is like a ship without a rudder. It may stay afloat for a while, but it’s bound to drift off course eventually. On the other hand, integrity without loyalty may lead to righteousness but loneliness. So, what do you think?

Panyin: I guess integrity must be greater, then. Without it, loyalty might lead us astray.

Kakra: But we still need loyalty to stay connected with others, right?

Grandpa Jo: (Smiling) Exactly, my dear Kakra. It’s about finding the balance between the two. Loyalty and integrity are like two sides of the same coin. When combined wisely, they create a currency of trust that is invaluable in any relationship.

Kakra: But Grandpa, sometimes loyalty feels overrated. I mean, what if someone we’re loyal to isn’t deserving of it? What if they hurt us or others? Shouldn’t we prioritize doing what’s right over blindly sticking by them?

Grandpa Jo: Ah, Kakra, you raise a valid point, my boy. Loyalty indeed can feel overrated if it’s not tempered with discernment. Blind loyalty, as I mentioned earlier, can lead to overlooking faults and enabling harmful behavior. However, true loyalty isn’t about blindly following someone regardless of their actions. It’s about standing by them through thick and thin, but also holding them accountable when they stray from the path of integrity.

Kakra: But how do we know when to draw the line, Grandpa? How do we distinguish between loyalty and enabling?

Grandpa Jo: Ah, that’s where wisdom comes into play, Kakra. It’s about discerning when our loyalty is serving the greater good and when it’s perpetuating harm. Sometimes, showing loyalty means having the courage to confront those we care about when they’re in the wrong. It means being willing to challenge them to be better versions of themselves, even if it’s uncomfortable or difficult.

Panyin: So, loyalty isn’t just about blindly following someone, but also about guiding them towards the right path?

Grandpa Jo: Precisely, Panyin. True loyalty is a two-way street. It’s about mutual respect, support, and growth. It’s about standing by someone not just in their triumphs, but also in their trials, and helping them navigate the complexities of life with integrity and honour.

Kakra: I see what you mean, Grandpa. So, loyalty isn’t inherently bad, but it’s how we practise it that matters.

Grandpa Jo: Exactly, my boy. Loyalty, like any virtue, can be a force for good when wielded wisely and responsibly. It’s about finding the balance between staying true to our loved ones and staying true to our principles. And when in doubt, always let integrity be your guiding star.

Kakra: Thanks, Grandpa. I guess I understand now that loyalty isn’t just a simple concept, but it’s something we need to think critically about and apply with wisdom.

Panyin: That makes sense, Grandpa.

Grandpa Jo: It’s my pleasure, boys. Remember, life is full of choices, and it’s how we navigate them that defines our character. Here we are boys!! The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.

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