On the one hand, there is nothing more essential to a cohesive organizational culture than an iconoclastic leader who embodies the spirit of the place.
On the other hand, Chrysler survived the departure of Lee Iaccoca, Southwest soared after Herb Kelleher took off, and General Electric didn't blow up upon the departure of Neutron Jack Welch.
I wonder what do communicators think: How could an organization as decentralized as Al Qaeda possibly survive without an iconic figure at the top—or at the very least, some serious communicators who can keep Osama bin Laden's legend alive even after the man is dead?
Consider the question with the executive communication pros who hang out at the Vital Speeches blog.
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