Here in Canada we have been swept up in the emotions surrounding Jack Layton’s death as the wider business and technology world tries to grasp the significance of Steve Jobs stepping down from his role at Apple yet again. There have been many similarities noted between the two men. Both have had incredible success and is being even more lionized upon their departure. Each are wonderful examples of living with cancer and still achieving remarkable things. Both left “departure letters”, although Job is fortunate enough to have the opportunity to add more to his letter and his legacy.
The comparisons also address the obvious challenges facing the federal NDP and Apple now that their charismatic leader is gone. In all cases that I’ve read, I believe that these analyses miss the point completely. They all seem to suggest that the faltering, or even failing, of these organizations will be irrefutable proof of the greatness of their former leaders. A leader’s fundamental responsibility is to build their organization so that it can withstand the departure of any member – especially the leader themselves. If Apple or the federal NDP fall apart now, it will indicate that Jack or Steve, despite their many notable accomplishments, had failed at the job of building a viable organization for the long term.
The unfortunate thing is that the continued success of either organization will be the final and ultimate proof of their respective leaders’ greatness, but it’s unlikely to be reported in that way.