ost powerful communications he could have made to his workers that he had the courage of his convictions. He was willing to put his money, reputation and business on the line to move the company forward in an ever changing business climate and ever present risk. He does not believe it to be irrational to invest millions in your employees, but today most workers see that the stockholder is the only stakeholder that counts.What distinguishes Aaron Feuerstein and other leaders like him is courage. Feuerstein has the courage to stand by his convictions and take the appropriate actions. If Feuerstein showed courage by committing his wealth and good name in rebuilding Malden Millshe only has done what leaders through the centuries have done. He lead the way, blazed the trail, so that his followers could do the impossible. "Before the fire, that plant produced 130,000 yards a week, Feuerstein said. A few weeks after the fire, it was up to 230,000 yards. Our people became very creative. They were willing to work 25 hours a day."How many corporate CEOs in the downsize-crazed companies today could ask their employees to double production in a few weeks given no changes in the current plantmuch less given temporary plants set up in old warehouses? How many of your employees would come through for you if your company needed their help? They might work 25 hours a day for you if they thought they were valued as important assets. If the communication has been that employees are movable and expendable, they may abandoned ship for a more pleasant work place given the extra demands.Although the praise given Feuerstein is much deserved it not easy for anyone that is not a multimillion dollar owner of their own company to relate. Feuerstein did have the resources to pay out his employees for their three month lay off and medical benefits, but I believe that he gained his wealth by treating his employees fairly and in return his employees represented his...
