Hi, Chip - fun post, if you don't mind a slight play on words:)

Two quick comments:

1)  Your comment via Hamel includes an interesting last line:  "But pursuing incremental improvements while rivals reinvent the industry is like fiddling while Rome burns.”  I was listening to NPR earlier today and the commentator stated that Democratic voters could choose Clinton for incremental change or Sanders for revolution.  This is both a neat summary for what these two candidates represent and a reminder that change does not come in only one flavor.

In Hamel's case, incremental change was presented as less than attractive and I would agree with that assessment.   We can incrementally inch along until we die without getting very far down the road.  The revolutionist, of course, veers off the road into the uncharted wilds ... and probably invents a flying machine, so they can ditch the car:).

2)  It strikes me that embedded within the aura around every "fun" leader is a strong sense of trust and respect.   Many people can be funny or fun to be with in certain situations, but in order to be "fun" the way you are describing it requires someone who knows how to develop, maintain, and nurture an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust.   Otherwise, you are just a wise-cracking guy in the room.

3)  On a personal level, humor and relaxed atmospheres have always been part of my leadership style, whether military, volunteer, corporate, or campus.   I have found over the long haul that creating fun and a friendly environment are essential for effective leadership when things are not fun.  The relationships that come from bonding with others on a very human level are the foundation upon which we take those actions which are necessary, but uncomfortable and even dangerous.

Thanks for a great post:)

John