Leaders are most effective when their skills and operatingstyle suit the needs and tasks of their agencies and thepolitical settings of the times in which they serve. Such analignment does occur, and when it does, effective governmentcan result. Occasionally, the alignment is exceptional,as when James E. Webb led NA SA in the Apollo 1960s.More often, the alignment is imperfect, fleeting, and leadersdo the best that they can.

Last week I visited with a friend at lunch and had a strange experience!  I’d brought a copy of the IBM Center’s latest magazine to share and left on the table during lunch.  A complete stranger came up and said “Oh, can I get a copy of that magazine?  I really need it!” Then someone a table over said, “Can I get a copy too!?”  This issue has a special section on the transition, which was what was attracting interest.