These brief examples represent the ideals, principles, and qualities desired and admired by persons, communities and nations. The three persons apply these principles in their daily efforts.
In their individual areas, they rise, or rose, above self-interest and seek to bring out the best in others.
A 20’s something woman coach’s philosophy
Building the character of the rower is just as important as developing the skills of the athlete. Diligent training on respect, resilience, and the outcomes of hard work is rewarded with improved teamwork and an overall love for the sport.
Every word spoken is intentional to create a positive learning environment and consistently progressing rowers.
An author seeking appropriate use of words
Maybe we need to delete the word ownership from our vocabulary and certainly from our legal contracts and sales agreements and land deeds. Instead, let’s use the word stewardship — and introduce a raft of legislation that defines stewardship as “leaving something better than you found it.”
Steward it or lose it.
An Example of Selfless Generosity (excerpts)
What made Aaron Feuerstein famous was not success but his attitude in the face of catastrophe. When a fire destroyed the textile mill he owned, he faced the decisions of whether to rebuild and whether to continue to pay his 1,400 workers, who were left destitute in the dead of winter. His decision became a model of how employers should treat their workers.
Standing By His Employees
Mr. Feuerstein won where it matters most. As a business leader, he captured the hearts of his employees and the imagination of Americans everywhere.
What made Aaron Feuerstein famous was not success but his attitude in the face of catastrophe. He became a model of how employers should treat their workers.
In December of 1995, a fire raged through the Malden Mills complex, destroying almost everything. He faced the decision of whether to rebuild. He also saw that the plant’s 1,400 workers were left destitute in the dead of winter. He could have collected the insurance proceeds and walked away from the disaster.
However, he decided to stand by his workers. He took a risk and retained all 1,400 employees on the full payroll for three months. He extended their health benefits and began rebuilding the plant so that they could return to work.
In a 1997 speech, he explained that if the worker felt he was “treated the way he should be treated,” he would go the extra mile and make quality products for the company. He was right.
Here is the link to his interview on 60 minutes (6 minutes): https://youtu.be/ry7_FcSiQL8
Doing the Right Thing
How will your stewardship be remembered by your credit union’s members? Who is showing the way for others on your leadership team?