Building lasting loyalty isn’t an easy task – it requires consistency, honesty, and a genuine understanding of people’s needs. However, there are certain behaviors that can seriously undermine your efforts.

These behaviors often stem from a lack of self-awareness and can turn loyal followers into disillusioned skeptics. Avoiding these pitfalls isn’t about being perfect, but about showing respect and consideration for those around you.

In this article, I’m going to share ten behaviors you should steer clear of if you want to build and maintain trust and loyalty. By avoiding these mistakes, you can create a bond that stands the test of time. Let’s dive in.

1) Neglecting communication

Communication is the lifeblood of any relationship, and this is particularly true when it comes to building loyalty.

Whether it’s with your team, your customers, or your friends, clear and consistent communication is a crucial part of maintaining trust. It’s how you keep people informed, manage expectations, and show that you value their input.

However, neglecting communication can quickly erode loyalty. If people feel left in the dark or ignored, they’ll question your motives and may start looking elsewhere for the respect and attention they deserve.

Remember, communication isn’t just about broadcasting your own messages – it’s about listening too. So make sure you’re providing plenty of opportunities for two-way dialogue.

Avoid neglecting communication if you want to build lasting loyalty. It’s a simple concept, but one that’s easy to overlook in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

2) Breaking promises

Broken promises are loyalty killers. They erode trust and create a sense of unreliability that’s hard to shake off.

I can recall a time when I worked with a colleague who would always promise to help with projects but would often fail to follow through. Over time, this behavior created a sense of distrust and we became less inclined to rely on him for support. The broken promises chipped away at the loyalty we once had for him as a team member.

The lesson here is simple: if you say you’re going to do something, do it. If you can’t, be upfront about it and manage expectations accordingly. People appreciate honesty and integrity far more than empty promises.

Remember, it’s better to under-promise and over-deliver than the other way around. This way, you not only build loyalty but also a reputation for reliability, which is priceless.

3) Being unresponsive

In this digital age, we’re all accustomed to instant communication. In fact, a study by Toister Performance Solutions discovered that 80% of customers expect a response to their inquiries within 24 hours.

Being unresponsive, then, can seriously damage your relationships. It sends the message that you don’t value the other party’s time or concerns. This can quickly lead to frustration and, ultimately, a loss of loyalty.

Whether it’s an email, a phone call, or a question in a meeting, make sure you’re responding in a timely and respectful manner. If you can’t provide a full answer right away, acknowledge the query and let them know when they can expect a response. This shows that you respect their time and are committed to addressing their concerns.

Responsiveness is an easy way to show your respect for others and build lasting loyalty. So make sure it’s a priority in all your interactions.

4) Ignoring feedback

Feedback is a valuable tool for growth and development. But if you consistently ignore it or dismiss it without consideration, you risk losing the loyalty of those who offered it.

When people give feedback, they’re investing their time and energy to help you improve. Ignoring their input can make them feel undervalued and unheard, which can weaken their loyalty.

Whether it’s positive or negative, always take the time to consider feedback and thank the person for their thoughts. If you disagree, that’s okay – but explain your perspective respectfully.

By valuing and responding to feedback, you show that you’re committed to improvement and value the opinions of others. This not only strengthens existing loyalty but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and growth.

5) Lack of empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a vital component in building lasting loyalty.

When we show empathy, we validate the feelings and experiences of others, making them feel seen and heard. This lays the groundwork for trust and loyalty.

On the flip side, a lack of empathy can make people feel disregarded and unimportant. If you’re constantly dismissing the feelings or perspectives of others, they’re unlikely to remain loyal to you for long.

So, try to put yourself in others’ shoes. Listen attentively, respond with understanding, and show that you care about their feelings. This compassionate approach will go a long way in building lasting loyalty.

6) Inconsistency

Consistency is the bedrock of trust. It’s the assurance that you can be depended on to come through, time and time again. This reliability is what builds lasting loyalty.

Inconsistency, in contrast, can be deeply unsettling. If people can’t predict how you’ll behave or what you’ll deliver, they’ll feel insecure. This insecurity can quickly erode any loyalty they might have felt.

I’ve learned this in my own life. Whether it’s in friendships, family relationships, or work partnerships, being consistent in my actions and behaviors has been key to building and maintaining trust.

It’s not always easy. We all have off days, and life can throw us curveballs that disrupt our plans. But even in those moments, it’s important to communicate clearly and do our best to uphold our commitments.

At the end of the day, consistency is about living up to your word and showing people they can count on you. And that’s a surefire way to build lasting loyalty.

7) Failing to acknowledge mistakes

Nobody’s perfect. We all make mistakes. But how we handle those mistakes can make a huge difference in the loyalty we inspire in others.

Early in my career, I made a significant error on a project. Instead of admitting it, I tried to cover it up. This not only worsened the situation but also damaged the trust my team had in me.

Once I eventually owned up to the mistake, apologized, and worked to rectify it, my team’s respect for me grew. I wasn’t perfect, but I was accountable.

Admitting when you’re wrong can be tough, but it’s crucial if you want to build lasting loyalty. It shows that you’re human, honest, and capable of taking responsibility for your actions. It’s a sign of integrity and maturity that fosters trust and respect. So don’t shy away from your mistakes; acknowledge them, learn from them, and move forward.

Remember: It’s not about never making mistakes – it’s about how you handle them when they happen.

8) Not showing appreciation

Appreciation is a powerful motivator. When people feel recognized and appreciated for their efforts, they’re more likely to go the extra mile, contribute their best work, and remain loyal.

On the other hand, failing to show appreciation can make people feel taken for granted. If their efforts go unnoticed, they may start to question their value and their loyalty may wane.

So make it a point to regularly express your gratitude for the efforts and contributions of others. A simple thank you can go a long way, but don’t stop there. Be specific about what you appreciate and why. This not only makes the compliment more meaningful but also encourages more of the same behavior.

Whether it’s your employees, your colleagues, or your loved ones, showing appreciation is a simple but effective way to build lasting loyalty.

9) Lack of respect

At the heart of all lasting loyalty is respect. Without it, all the communication, consistency, and appreciation in the world won’t be enough.

Respect means valuing others for who they are, not just for what they can do for you. It means treating them with kindness and dignity, listening to their ideas, and acknowledging their feelings.

Disrespect, whether it’s through dismissive behavior, harsh words, or a lack of consideration for others’ time and feelings, can quickly destroy loyalty.

So if there’s one thing you take away from this article, let it be this: Treat others with respect. It’s the simplest and most fundamental way to build lasting loyalty.

Final reflection: It’s about human connection

Building lasting loyalty is, at its core, about human connection. It’s about understanding and valuing others, demonstrating respect, and maintaining consistency and trust.

The renowned author Stephen R. Covey once said, “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.”

Indeed, trust and loyalty are intertwined. One cannot exist without the other. And it all comes down to our actions, our behaviors, and how we choose to interact with others.

So as you move forward, remember that your actions speak volumes. They can either build or break loyalty. They can foster deep, lasting connections or they can push people away.

Be mindful of your behaviors and strive to be someone who is consistent, respectful, and appreciative. Because at the end of the day, building lasting loyalty isn’t just about business or personal success; it’s about making meaningful connections that enrich our lives and the lives of those around us.