The Nov. 24, 2008 issue of Fortune magazine features a cover story about Apple's succession planning and poses the question, "Could operations whiz Tim Cook run the company someday?"
Fortune asks some experts their opinions concerning Cook's suitability as Apple's Ceo, with mixed responses. While everyone seems to agree that Cook is extraordinarily talented and smart, one person identified only as "a Silicon Valley Investor" scoffs at the idea, calling it, "laughable." He goes on to say that Apple needs "a brilliant goods guy" and dismisses Cook as "an ops guy - at a company where ops is outsourced."
The backdrop of the article is Steve Jobs' status as a pancreatic cancer survivor along with his new gaunt appearance. Not long ago, a spurious rumor that Jobs suffered a heart assault caused the stock to devalue temporarily by B. All of this has generated speculation about Cook and other possible successors to the legendary Apple founder.
I believe that Tim Cook and Steve Jobs illustrate what is often a potent leadership blend - a very analytical and quietly thoughtful introvert teamed up with a charismatic "cheerleader" type of individual. Something about this pairing of complementary styles often leads to extraordinary results - provided each private respects the other's skills.
Consider, for example, Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank, the two executives who built Home Depot into a retailing powerhouse. Marcus is an ebullient, outgoing, charismatic leader who enrolled employees, investors and customers into his vision of a home improvement superstore. Helping him every step of the way was the studious, quiet and calm Arthur Blank, who took care of the daily operational carrying out of the company with nearly flawless precision.
Herb Kelleher and Colleen Barrett worked magic together at Southwest Airlines. While Herb was serving drinks with the flight attendants, firing up employees and shaking hands with customers, the introverted Barrett quietly managed the many details involved in running an airline.
In the case of Apple, Home Depot and Southwest Airlines, the "cheerleader" was the Ceo while the quiet analytical administrative served as President or Coo. But this is not all the time the case; Bill Gates practiced his ultra analytical supervision style at the helm of Microsoft for many years while relying on second-in-command Steve Ballmer to furnish the high-energy leadership and visibility critical to report to and rally stakeholders.
I believe the "cheerleader and the introvert" leadership model can succeed with whether person in charge. Therefore, Tim Cook can thrive as Ceo of Apple provided he finds an administrative to furnish strengths where he is weak. That would mean that if he winds up in the top job, Cook should put in place a President who is a visionary with regard to products and loves the limelight and communicating with various constituencies.
Let's hope tales of Steve Jobs' ill health are wrong and that the company world is blessed with his nearnessy and daily influence for many years to come. If, however, he steps down for some reason, I will not despair about Apple's future. If Tim Cook is as good as described in Fortune, then he is well noteworthy to take the helm - provided he balances his introverted style with a true cheerleader.
By Ian G. Heller
