The Succession

When the old lion who'd directed the department for decades finally retired, there were several possible successors. He had made a point of grooming leaders; in fact, his department had a national reputation for doing so. Many of his proteges had gone on to head similar departments elsewhere.

A highly qualified successor was picked. Changes were expected because change had been a major part of the previous culture, but then people began to notice that there was not just a change in programs but also a change in tone. Open became closed and friendly became guarded.

The place looked the same a year later but it didn't feel the same. A large part of the magic that had made the old department a huge success was missing.

The successor knew all of the tangible parts of the job. He'd simply overlooked the intangible ones.