boost stock prices has a vision statement with words like we value and respect our employees as our most important asset? How many of the laid off employees do you suppose believe that?Perhaps the most important characteristic that transformational leaders possess is their ability to create a vision that binds people to each other. Not only must they have this vision, they also have to have a road map for attaining it. What is important is that followers buy into that vision and that the leader has a plan to energize them to reach it. Leaders who are totally committed to their vision and course of action often are called charismatic. Charismatic leaders have an unshakable belief in their mission, are supremely confident that they and their followers can succeed, and have the ability to convey these certainties to their followers. Followers of charismatic leaders demonstrate unquestioning loyalty and obedience. According to Management by Don Hellriegel, Susan E. Jackson, John W. Slocum, Jr., leaders who are totally committed to their vision and course of action often are called charismatic leaders. To a leader that has the conviction of his beliefs, words like value and respect must be backed up with hard decisions and actions. The real test of leadership is maintaining those convictions during change and upheaval. The first major test of Feuersteins convictions as a leader came during his bankruptcy in the early 80s. Many of us might conclude that a bankrupt textile mill in a 300 year old mill town in 1981 was the end of the road. Not Aaron Feuerstein. He spent millions to develop a new product and re-opened the mill in Massachusetts with all the high paid workers (by global standards). His firm created Polartec and Polarfleece, revolutionary new products. He actually came out of the bankruptcy stronger than when he came in.The fire was the second test, and again Feuerstein vowed to stay in business. These two actions were the m...
