The Fatal Mistake of Mayfield Management

A Lack of Leadership Cost 8 People Their Lives

“If you leave, you’re more than likely to be fired,” was management’s message to employees at the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory. Hours later, the factory would be completely destroyed and at least eight employees dead.

As the catastrophic tornado approached Mayfield on Friday, employees begged managers to let them leave. Company management, feeling as though the danger had passed, declined these requests. They sent people back to work and took a roll call to make sure people…