Tribal culture is created by it's leader’s passion and creative drive. This is the catalyst that fuels tribal culture.
Culture flows from the leader. Whether a family, team, rock band, or billion dollar organization, tribal culture is a byproduct of it's leader. Who the leader is. Their passions. What they believe. All these drive what they create, and is the fuel that drives tribal culture.
Apple is Apple because of Steve Jobs. Experiencing his passion from afar through his inspirational creations all these years has been an amazing thing to witness. His heart and passion explodes out of everything he has created. His shoes cannot and should not try to be filled. They are his shoes no one else’s. I have more respect for him as a leader than ever before watching the amazingly brave thing he has done in stepping down from the helm of something he obviously is very passionate about. I wish him and the compnay nothing but the best.
Zappos is Zappos because of Tony Hsieh. Expose yourself to Zappos’ customer obsessive culture. Their Culture Book alone is worth writing them for and they will blow you away with their customer obsession, generosity, professionalism, humility, passion for what they do, and yes - a little wierdness! Read Tony’s book Delivering Happiness if you want a glimpse from the leader himself as to how the culture at Zappos was born, why they are who they are, and why they exist! Wow!
U2 is U2 because of Bono and his Big Idea. Yes, Bono is quick to point out and share the credit with Edge, Larry, and Adam that make up the band, and the tribe in Dublin and elsewhere that all make the shows and everything U2 does happen. However Bono is their leader. The highest grossing tour of all time, the result of a passionate and multi-generational audience, whose collective passion moves mountains is not a coincidence. It is fueled by its catalytic leader.
Great tribes are energized from the top by their leaders. Whether mind blowing products, Wow, or music that moves mountains, the leader’s passion and creative drive propels the tribe.
The world is a better place because of Steve, Tony, and Bono. The amazing things they've created, and the tribes they lead.
